Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the federal government over unresolved welfare demands, including a revised pay structure for doctors.
Gatekeepers News reports that the agreement comes after a prolonged standoff between the two parties.
According to NMA President Bala Audu, the association held an emergency meeting and resolved to sign the MoU while giving the government a fresh 21-day ultimatum for implementation. Audu stated that if the government fails to implement the agreement within the specified timeframe, it would be tantamount to directing the doctors to go on strike.
“We had an emergency meeting to decide whether to sign the MoU. The conclusion was that we would sign. We also resolved to give the federal government 21 days to implement it,” Audu said.
“If the federal government does not implement by the end of the ultimatum, it means they are saying doctors cannot get anything from them without a strike. It means the federal government is giving us a directive to go on strike.”
The NMA had previously rejected a circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, which reviewed allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service.
The association claimed the circular violated prior agreements and issued a 21-day ultimatum on July 2, warning of industrial action unless the circular was withdrawn. The ultimatum expired on July 23.
The MoU was signed in the presence of representatives from key federal ministries and agencies, including the ministries of health and social welfare, labour and employment, budget and national planning, the office of the accountant general of the federation, and the office of the head of civil service of the federation.
The NMA’s demands include comprehensive health insurance coverage for all medical and dental practitioners, the immediate constitution of management boards for federal hospitals, the issuance of a circular implementing the reviewed retirement age for doctors, and improved welfare packages that cover health and social support for healthcare workers.
