Doctors in Ogun State, represented by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), have started an indefinite strike due to unresolved issues with their allowances.
NMA chairman Azeem Ashimi announced the strike on Tuesday in Abeokuta, stating that it began on August 3rd. The strike aims to address the pay gap between federal and state medical workers.
“We had a warning strike that didn’t lead to a solution,” Ashimi said. “Despite the government’s claims that wage issues are common, we need to address the specific issues we face.”
The doctors are particularly concerned about the implementation of the reviewed Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), which they believe is crucial to preventing the loss of medical professionals from Ogun State.
“Ogun State is losing doctors daily due to pay disparity,” Ashimi explained. “Implementing the reviewed CONMESS would help retain our medical staff.”
Over the past two years, the NMA has tried various measures to retain doctors, such as facilitating access to housing and starting a cooperative savings society. However, Ashimi stressed that aligning state salaries with federal salaries would be a major step in keeping doctors in the state.
He added, “Doctors are leaving in large numbers, and the state government needs to act to resolve this issue quickly. We need a formal agreement, not just verbal promises, to end the strike.”
The NMA hopes the state government will address their concerns promptly to end the strike and restore services.
