The Nigerian Medical Association in Ogun State has warned of an impending strike due to poor working conditions.
The association issued a 21-day ultimatum to the state government, which will expire on June 27.
During a news conference in Abeokuta on Friday, NMA Ogun chapter chairman, Dr. Kunle Ashimi, explained that the doctors would have no choice but to strike unless their concerns are addressed. Key issues include the non-payment of the revised CONMESS salary scale and the failure to recruit new doctors.
“The State Executive Council of NMA Ogun issued a 21-day ultimatum to the state government on June 7, which will elapse on June 27,” Ashimi said. “This indicated that industrial harmony may not be guaranteed after this date as the pressure of work on the few doctors holding forth is yielding dire consequences.”
Dr. Ashimi expressed frustration that ongoing discussions with government officials have resulted only in verbal assurances without official commitments. He urged Ogun citizens to pressure the government to take necessary steps to prevent the strike, which would disrupt healthcare services across the state.
“Concerned affiliates of NMA Ogun have been engaging the government on the need to commence the payment of the reviewed CONMESS salary scale for doctors in the state in order to motivate and retain those who have not left and to attract new ones,” he added. “We use this opportunity to call on well-meaning citizens of Ogun State to impress upon the Ogun government to do the needful to avert any industrial action.”
Dr. Ashimi also highlighted the issue of soaring electricity bills at Babcock University Teaching Hospital, which have surged from N80 million to N300 million monthly. He called for concessions to health institutions to prevent increased costs from being passed on to patients.
“While we appreciate the zeal of the government to develop the energy sector, we appeal strongly that concessions be given to health institutions,” he said. “These humongous tariffs will eventually be passed on to our poor patients, thereby driving them further away from access to appropriate healthcare services.”
Regarding the recent cholera outbreak, Dr. Ashimi mentioned ongoing sensitization programs in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and various media organizations. He emphasized the importance of preventive measures and provided contact numbers for reporting suspected cholera cases, which will be treated free of charge at designated facilities.
“We use this opportunity to appeal to our people to imbibe preventive measures for the prevention of the spread of cholera,” he said. “This includes avoiding open defecation, avoiding indiscriminate refuse dumping, washing hands regularly, washing fruits and vegetables well before consuming, and treating water before consuming it, either by boiling or treating it with chemical purifying agents.”
Dr. Ashimi also urged schools to monitor food vendors and reintroduce handwashing stations, as was done during the COVID-19 period.
