With barely two days to the expiration of the twenty-one day ultimatum given to the Federal Government, the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA has warned that it will ground medical services nationwide, if the government fails to meet its demands.
NMA President, Professor Bala Audu, who confirmed this in an interview with journalists, noted that the association was prepared to take decisive action, should the government fail to respond adequately to its demands.
Professor Audu stressed that the association’s demands were critical to the survival of Nigeria’s healthcare system and the welfare of medical professionals across the country.
The NMA had, on July 2, issued an ultimatum in protest against a circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission on revised allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service, which the doctors kicked against for violating prior agreements.
According to the NMA President, the circular contains provisions that were not mutually agreed upon, which undermine the remuneration and welfare of medical professionals.
Writing by Sharon Uduigwome