The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has declared its intent to disregard the directive by the Medical Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) cautioning doctors against striking.
In an interview with our correspondent, the NMA President, Uche Ojinmah, asserted that doctors would not heed the MDCN’s warning and hinted at a potential withdrawal of services across health institutions if the Federal Government fails to implement the upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure by January 31, 2024.
The MDCN had, in a letter dated January 4, 2024, cautioned doctors against sending patients away during strikes. The directive emphasized that patients on admission should not be discharged solely due to a strike, and emergency units must remain operational with scheduled practitioners.
Ojinmah criticized the MDCN’s stance, stating, “How will MDCN tell me not to fight for my salary? They didn’t even issue a letter to demand equal pay with senators or judges or what is being paid in America.
” He highlighted the delayed implementation of a salary increment since July 2023, emphasizing that doctors would defend their rights and called for the government to fulfill promises.
The NMA had earlier set a deadline of January 31, 2024, for the Federal Government to meet demands, including the review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure and arrears payment, or face a potential industrial action in the health sector.
The association also urged the implementation of the newly approved accruement allowance with arrears from June 2022.
As the situation unfolds, tension remains high within the healthcare sector, with the NMA signaling a readiness to take further action to address perceived injustices related to salary reviews and other welfare issues.
