Doctors begin indefinite July 1 – NMA President

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) on Monday announced plan to embark on an indefinite strike, starting from Tuesday, July 1.

Its President, Dr Kayode Obembe, told newsmen in Abuja, that the decision followed the expiration of a two-week ultimatum it gave the Federal Government to meet its 24-point demand.

Obembe, said they opted for a “total and indefinite strike” at an emergency delegate meeting held on June 28, after negotiations with the federal government failed to yield relevant results.

“The NMA is taking this painful route because our silence and gentle approach to these contending issues have been taken for granted.

“We have to take this action in order to save the health care delivery system from anarchy that is palpably imminent.”

He appealed for understanding, and called on Nigerians to prevail on the government to meet the demands.

The association’s letter addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and entitled, “Minimum End Point for Restoration of Sustainable Sanity in Patient Care in Nigerian Hospitals’’, was jointly signed by Obembe, NMA Secretary-General, Dr Adewumi Alayaki and all heads of its affiliate bodies.

Part of issues raised include reserving the position of Chief Medical Director to only medical doctors, appointment of Surgeon General of the Federation, passage of National Health Bill and providing security for doctors.

The NMA also wants “increase in duty, hazard and specialist allowances, as well as budget for residency training programme”.

It called for the reintegration of its members into the IPPIS platform, and reserving the title of consultants to only medical doctors, among others.