Daud Olatunji
The doctors in Ogun State, under the aegis of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), have embarked on an indefinite strike following unresolved issues concerning their allowances.
The strike, which began on Saturday, 3rd August 2024, is primarily aimed at addressing the pay disparity between federal and state medical workers.
Dr. Azeem Kunle Ashimi, the Chairman of the Medical Association in the State, disclosed this on Tuesday at a press conference held in Abeokuta.
Ashimi explained that the decision to proceed with an indefinite strike came after a failed 3-day warning strike.
“Unfortunately, we weren’t able to reach a compromise with the government.
“The government continues to plea that the issues of minimum wage and other related matters are common, but my people believe that we need to address the issues on the ground,” Ashimi stated.
He added “the core of the doctors’ grievances lies in the reviewed CONMESS (Consolidated Medical Salary Structure), which they believe should be implemented to stem the exodus of medical professionals from Ogun State.
“Ogun State is losing a lot of doctors daily because of the pay disparity. If the reviewed CONMESS is paid, it will encourage the doctors to stay,” Ashimi stressed.
In efforts to retain medical personnel, the NMA said it has undertaken various initiatives over the past two years. .
He explained “we have recorded achievements aimed at helping doctors feel a sense of belonging in the community.
“We’ve facilitated access to land for housing, started a cooperative society for savings, and other measures.
However, aligning the state workers’ pay with federal workers’ pay would go a long way in encouraging doctors to remain,” Ashimi noted.
“I attended a meeting on human resources for health and I’m not happy with the way doctors are leaving Nigeria, especially from the state where I practise and where I’m the Chairman of NMA. People are leaving in droves,” Ashimi lamented.
Dr. Ashimi stressed that Ogun State, known as the gateway state, can address this issue and ensure the strike is short-lived.
“We believe strongly that if the government can promise to pay this money in due time through a memorandum of understanding, we can go back to work. Verbal promises have often led to doubts, hence the need for something penned down.”
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