By Muhammad Amaan
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has suspended its planned industrial action and granted the Federal Government a fresh 21-day window to address its outstanding demands.
The decision was reached during an Emergency Delegates Meeting (EDM) in Abuja, as conveyed in a communiqué jointly signed by NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, and Secretary-General, Dr Jamin Egbo.
While the communiqué expressed concern over unresolved welfare issues and the treatment of medical professionals, it also highlighted the challenges faced by doctors working under difficult conditions.
The NMA noted that the longstanding concerns required urgent and comprehensive attention.
Health Reporters Newspaper reports that this came after series of meetings convened at the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum earlier given to the government.
The meeting started with the NMA President giving an update of the various engagements with the government officials at the Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Health, NSIWC and other responsible government agencies.
Prof. Audu read out a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which was signed on behalf of the Association at the conciliatory meetings held and gave updates on different steps taken.
The NMA had on July 2, warned that it may shut down medical services across the country if the Federal Government fails to address its demands before the expiration of its 21-day ultimatum on Wednesday, July 23.
Prof Audu, who issued the warning, stated that the association was fully prepared to take decisive action if necessary. He emphasised that the demands were essential to the survival of Nigeria’s healthcare system and the welfare of medical professionals.
The group expressed disappointment and condemned the circular on the consequential adjustment of allowances under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure for medical and dental practitioners in Nigeria.
Other demands include the provision of comprehensive health insurance coverage for all medical and dental practitioners; the immediate constitution of management boards for federal hospitals to improve governance and operational efficiency as stipulated in the Acts for Federal Tertiary Institutions.
The NMA also called for the issuance of a circular implementing the reviewed retirement age for medical and dental practitioners; and the implementation of robust welfare and well-being packages, including comprehensive health and social support for healthcare workers.
The medical doctors also demanded the immediate reversal of the appointment of other healthcare professionals as consultants in hospitals, citing patient safety and the need to maintain medical care standards.
It was learnt that top federal government officials met with the leadership of NMA last week in Abuja regarding some of the unresolved grievances.
The meetings included the leadership of NMA alongside the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare; the Ministry of Labour and Employment; the Ministry of Budget and National Planning; the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation; the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation; and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).
During the last meeting, it was learnt that a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the government and the NMA, including a promise to reverse the controversial circular.
