Daud Olatunji
Amid growing concerns over disparities in doctors’ remuneration across Nigeria, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ogun State Branch, has issued a call for the universal implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) wage scale.
The NMA argues that addressing wage discrepancies, particularly among clinical lecturers in Basic Medical Science, Basic Clinical Science, and other essential medical fields, is essential to retaining skilled professionals within the state.
At a press conference held to mark the 2024 Physicians’ Week, themed “Ensuring Universal Applicability in Remuneration: A Panacea to Talent Retention in the Healthcare System,” Dr. Luqman Ogunjimi, Chairman of NMA Ogun, emphasised the importance of fair compensation in preventing a “brain drain” in the healthcare sector.
He noted that many highly qualified Nigerian doctors have sought better opportunities abroad, an outcome of insufficient job fulfilment and poor remuneration.
“We commend the Ogun State government’s commitment to rectifying our salary scales and await implementation by the end of this month,” Dr. Ogunjimi stated.
“However, we urge the state to ensure arrears are settled, aligning our benefits with our counterparts in federal institutions and other states who have received these benefits for over sixteen months.”
Dr. Ogunjimi also highlighted a broader partnership aimed at improving healthcare access in Ogun State, specifically with the
Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP).
He added that together, these organisations are working to curb quackery and ensure safe medical practices.
The government’s adoption of the “Ibidero” and “Ilera loro” initiatives under the Ogun State Health Insurance Agency (OGSHIA) was also praised as a significant step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
In addition to advocacy on wages, the NMA Ogun Branch announced plans for a Health Summit, set to convene industry leaders to discuss sustainable healthcare improvements.
“It’s time to redefine our healthcare system to ensure Ogun State embodies its ‘Gateway State’ identity, reflecting excellence across the board,” Dr. Ogunjimi added.
While celebrating strides made in state healthcare, the NMA also expressed empathy for families affected by recent doctor kidnappings nationwide and highlighted ongoing concerns over assaults on medical personnel.
The association pledged full support to victims and called on the government to bolster protections for healthcare workers.
In an effort to foster community health, the NMA Ogun Branch announced a free medical outreach at Osile Oke-Ona Egba’s Palace, Abeokuta, on October 30, aligning with the state’s Project 10M initiative.
This outreach aims to provide accessible healthcare and emphasise the importance of health metrics, particularly for those with chronic conditions.
Reflecting on the critical role of healthcare professionals, Dr. Ogunjimi concluded, “As we honour our late colleagues and celebrate those serving in challenging conditions, we are reminded of our commitment to health reform in Nigeria.
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