The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has vowed to ground medical services nationwide from Thursday, 24th July, if the government fails to meet its demands.

NMA President, Prof Bala Audu, noted that the association was prepared to go ahead with its planned strike as the 21-day ultimatum it issued to the Federal Government draws to a close on July 23.

Prof Audu argued that the association’s demands were not for personal gains but critical to the survival of Nigeria’s healthcare system and the welfare of medical professionals across the country.

“We have made our position clear. The ultimatum ends on July 23, and if the Federal Government does not address our demands, we may have no choice but to proceed with a strike, ” he said.
He stated that the circular issued contains provisions that were not mutually agreed upon and which undermine the remuneration and welfare of medical professionals, adding that the body had engaged the Federal Government to avert a humanitarian crisis in the sector.

“We have rejected that circular outright. We expect that any new directive affecting our members should be the outcome of mutual consultation, not something imposed,” he stated.

‘The last meeting happened two weeks ago and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate; the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako; the Permanent Secretary, the Director of Hospital Services, and the representative of minister of labour were at the meeting, and some affiliate of the NMA were present, and I was part of that meeting as well,’ he said.

Prof Audu revealed that the fresh meeting that was slated for last week failed to hold following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

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.