The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has delivered a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the fulfillment of its agreements to prevent impending industrial action within the health sector. The ultimatum stems from the government’s issuance of a circular detailing the consequential adjustment of allowances under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for medical and dental practitioners, a circular the NMA has vehemently rejected. The association contends that the circular not only disregards previously established Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) but also exacerbates existing tensions among doctors who have remained dedicated to serving the nation despite persistent challenges. The NMA emphasizes that the circular’s inadequacy and misrepresentations violate the core principles of the agreements reached through painstaking negotiations.
The NMA’s rejection of the circular is rooted in its perceived disregard for previously negotiated and agreed-upon terms. The association argues that the circular fails to reflect the agreed-upon adjustments and principles of fairness and justice that should guide such revisions. This perceived breach of trust further fuels the doctors’ discontent, as they feel their dedication and commitment are being undermined. The NMA asserts that it provided the correct salary structure table to the relevant government bodies, only to have it disregarded, further solidifying their conviction that the government is acting in bad faith. This disregard, coupled with the perceived inadequacy of the proposed adjustments, has driven the NMA to issue the ultimatum, urging the government to rectify the situation within a specified timeframe.
The NMA’s demands are multifaceted, addressing various long-standing concerns regarding remuneration, working conditions, and professional recognition. Central to their demands is the immediate withdrawal of the contested circular and its replacement with one that accurately reflects the terms of the 2001, 2009, and 2014 CBAs. This insistence on adherence to previous agreements underscores the NMA’s commitment to upholding the sanctity of negotiated terms and ensuring fair compensation for medical professionals. The association also demands the correction of consequential adjustments, ensuring that the relativity between CONMESS and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (COHESS) is properly maintained, and that all professional allowances, particularly call duty allowances, are adjusted accordingly.
Beyond the core issue of allowance adjustments, the NMA is also seeking resolution to other outstanding financial matters. These include the prompt payment of all accrued arrears related to CONMESS, clinical duty allowances, and accoutrement allowances owed to medical and dental practitioners. The association is also demanding the immediate disbursement of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) for 2025, coupled with a review of the fund to reflect current economic realities. This demand highlights the NMA’s commitment to supporting the training and development of future medical professionals, recognizing that adequate funding is crucial for ensuring the quality of medical education and training.
Furthermore, the NMA’s demands extend to broader issues affecting the medical profession, including the convocation of long-overdue CBA negotiations on CONMESS. This call for renewed negotiations underscores the association’s desire to address the evolving needs and challenges faced by medical professionals in Nigeria. The NMA is also advocating for the implementation of scarce skills allowances for medical consultants, recognizing the specialized expertise and critical role these professionals play in the healthcare system. Additionally, the association demands the approval of specialist allowances for all doctors and excess workload allowances, acknowledging the increasing demands and responsibilities placed upon medical practitioners.
Finally, the NMA is advocating for policy changes that would standardize medical practice and address internal brain drain within the health sector. The association demands the universal application of CONMESS across all federal and state Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure consistency in compensation and prevent disparities that could lead to internal migration of medical professionals. The NMA also demands the reversal of the appointment of other healthcare professionals as consultants in hospitals, arguing that this practice compromises patient safety and undermines the standards of medical care. This demand reflects the NMA’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professional practice and ensuring that patients receive the best possible care from qualified medical professionals. The 21-day ultimatum serves as a crucial call to action for the government to address these critical issues and avert potential disruption to healthcare services in Nigeria. The NMA emphasizes its commitment to continued dialogue and its hope that the government will respond positively to its demands within the stipulated timeframe.
