The Ogun State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) says it will go on strike over poor working conditions at the expiration of the 21-day ultimatum issued to the state government.
The association’s chairman, Kunle Ashimi, said at a news conference in Abeokuta on Friday that the ultimatum, issued on June 7, would expire on Thursday.
According to Mr Ashimi, members will have no choice but to embark on strike unless the government addresses their concerns.
“The State Executive Council of NMA Ogun issued a 21-day ultimatum to the state government on June 7, which will elapse on June 27.
“This indicated that industrial harmony may not be guaranteed after this date as the pressure of work on the few doctors holding forth is yielding dire consequences,” said Mr Ashimi.
He mentioned the non-payment of the reviewed CONMESS salary scale and failure to recruit new doctors as some of the issues requiring government attention.
Mr Ashimi noted that despite ongoing discussions with relevant government officials, there were only verbal assurances without official commitments.
“Concerned affiliates of NMA Ogun have been engaging the government on the need to commence the payment of the reviewed CONMESS salary scale for doctors in the state to motivate and retain those who have not left and to attract new ones,” Mr Ashimi said.
He, therefore, urged the citizens of Ogun to call on the government to take necessary steps to prevent the looming strike, which would disrupt healthcare services across the state.
The NMA chief said Babcock University Teaching Hospital witnessed a monthly electricity bill surge between N80 million and N100 million to N300 million.
He called for concessions to be given to health institutions to prevent increased costs from being passed onto patients, potentially making healthcare inaccessible for many.
On the Cholera outbreak, Mr Ashimi said the association, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and various media organisations, was conducting ongoing sensitisation programmes.
(NAN)
