The Ondo State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has firmly rejected the Federal Government’s proposed review of allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service. The rejection came after an emergency meeting held in Akure, where the association issued a strongly worded communiqué highlighting their disapproval.
Signed by the state chairman, Dr. Alonge Olumuyiwa, and secretary, Dr. Olaopa Gideon, the statement condemned the recent circular from the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, describing it as “obnoxious” and ill-timed. The NMA cited widespread dissatisfaction among medical professionals, especially amidst the ongoing japa syndrome and an already overstretched healthcare workforce.
The association emphasized that Nigeria’s healthcare system is grappling with poor remuneration, harsh working conditions, and unpaid arrears. According to the NMA, introducing a review that further reduces doctors’ earnings would only worsen the sector’s human resource crisis.
Backing the National Officers Committee of the NMA, the Ondo branch demanded the immediate withdrawal of the circular and proposed a 300% salary increase for all medical and dental practitioners. They also insisted on the full implementation of previous Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) from 2001, 2009, and 2014—particularly those addressing call duty allowances and pay equity between CONMESS and CONHESS salary structures.
In a passionate appeal, the NMA urged senior medical professionals to lend their voices to the struggle, stressing that their support could influence national health policy decisions. The association concluded by placing its members on alert for possible industrial action if the government fails to act swiftly.
As the FG weighs its next move, all eyes remain on the escalating tensions within the nation’s health sector.
