Doctors in the South-West region have threatened to go on strike if the Federal Government does not withdraw the new allowances introduced for medical professionals.
The doctors under the Nigerian Medical Association caucus covering Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Ogun, and Ondo states made this known on Tuesday during a press conference in Osogbo.
Dr Adeshina Fasanu, who is the chairman of the caucus and the Osun NMA chairman, said the new circular issued by the National Salary, Income and Wages Commission does not reflect Nigeria’s economic reality. He said the national body of the NMA had already given the Federal Government 21 days to withdraw the circular.
Fasanu said the caucus supports the national leadership’s demand for the immediate correction of the allowances based on past agreements in 2001, 2009, and 2014. He also called for full payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, with a proper review to match current economic conditions.
Dr Olumuyiwa Alonge, Ondo NMA chairman, complained that the government did not consult doctors before announcing the new allowances. He said doctors need better motivation, especially with the shortage of doctors in the country, where one doctor now serves 10,000 patients.
Dr Ifedayo Oreyemi, Ekiti NMA chairman, said about 2,000 doctors leave Nigeria every year. He warned that poor welfare would only push more doctors out of the country.
In Ogun State, NMA chairman Dr Luqman Ogunjimi said the allowances approved in the circular would discourage doctors who are already overworked and underpaid. Oyo NMA chairman Dr Happy Adedapo added that the new allowance is insignificant compared to the rising inflation in Nigeria.
The doctors are also demanding the implementation of the 2021 hazard allowance agreement and the revised retirement age for medical and dental practitioners.
They warned that if their demands are not met, the caucus will meet to decide on the next line of action in line with the national NMA leadership.
