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Tag: doctors

  • NMA seeks special vehicle number plates for doctors

    NMA seeks special vehicle number plates for doctors

    The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Anambra branch, on Thursday urged the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to issue special vehicle number plates to doctors, for easy identification on the road.

    The Chairman of the association, Jide Onyekwelu, made the plea when he led his executive members on a courtesy visit to the Sector Commander of FRSC in the state, Andrew Kumapayi, in Awka.

    Mr Onyekwelu also called for friendship and collaboration with the corps, saying that both parties undertook emergency life-saving operations.

    He told the sector commander that the new executive which was sworn in on June 27 had decided to pay him a familiarisation visit and to also make some requests.

    The chairman said the NMA was campaigning against quackery, to ensure that only recognised doctors’ stamps were seen on all medical reports the FRSC might need.

    He said the association wanted a joint training with the corps on basic life support and activities of special marshals.

    Mr Onyekwelu said the collaboration would ensure that FRSC operatives were further equipped with knowledge of crash victim handling, Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).

    Responding, the sector commander assured the association of FRSC’s continued partnership.

    Mr Kumapayi also assured the doctors that FRSC would support them, participate in all their life-saving campaigns as well as collaborate with them on fighting quackery and issuance of fake medical reports.

    “The training of FRSC staff on basic life support and handling of road crash victims is highly necessary as it will ensure better service delivery and safer motoring of environment for residents,” Mr Kumapayi said.

  • Over 200 Lagos doctors infected with COVID-19

    Over 200 Lagos doctors infected with COVID-19

    This is according to the Medical Guild in its response to an earlier statement from the state government on the ongoing warning strike by doctors in the state.

    In a statement jointly signed by the association’s Chairman and Secretary, Dr Oluwajimi Sodipo and Dr Ismail Ajibowo, on Tuesday, the group said the government was aware of the situation.

    It decried that while members were committed to their duties, a large number of those who tested positive have infected members of their families.

    The guild also accused the government of making attempts to portray it as being unprofessional and casting untrue impression that the strike was masterminded by a few members of the association.

    It, however, stressed that the association has an objective to cater for the welfare of its members and provide world-class medical services to the people.

    According to the statement, the guild has been seeking priority testing for all healthcare workers and patients on admission in hospitals.

    It explained that this was necessary to improve the provision of safe medical services, but the government had ignored its call – one of the reasons for the decision to go on strike.

    The statement comes a day after the Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos, Gbenga Omotoso, faulted the decision of the doctors to go on strike and asked them to return to work.

    He had accused the association of making wrong claims, stressing that the government had been extremely supportive of health workers, especially those at the forefront in the fight against COVID-19.

  • 35 Kwara doctors test positive for COVID-19

    35 Kwara doctors test positive for COVID-19

    No fewer than 35 medical doctors in Kwara state have so far tested positive to COVID-19 pandemic in Kwara state, it was gathered Monday.

    State Chairman, Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Dr. Kolade Solagberu told reporters in Ilorin, the state capital at this year Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association.

    Dr. Solagberu, however, said that the association had not recorded any casualty among its members.

    The NMA chairman told residents of the state that COVID-19 is real; urging them to disregard rumours saying the pandemic was only a money- making avenue for the government.

    Said he: “Residents should help the doctors to help them by not paying unnecessary visits or consultations to hospitals.

    “For now, people should avoid visiting the hospital except for life threatening issues.

    “We advise people to engage in e-health service instead of physical consultation to avoid contact as much as possible.

    “People should stop unnecessary visit to patients in the hospital. Those who follow a patient waiting to be attended to, are not encouraged for now.

    “You should just help us to help you because the less the number of patient we attend to, the less the chances of spreading the virus.

    “This is because every patient is a potential COVID-19 case.”

    The NMA chairman commended the Federal and State governments for continuous closure of schools, adding that safety should be paramount until the coast is clear.

    As at 7 p.m on Sunday, Kwara state had 401 confirmed cases of coronavirus, 208 active patients, 179 persons discharged and 14 deaths.

  • Lagos doctors begin 3-day warning strike Monday

    Lagos doctors begin 3-day warning strike Monday

    Doctors under the aegis of the Medical Guild in Lagos State are set to begin a three- day warning strike from Monday, over issues that affect their safety and welfare.

    The Medical Guild is the Association of Medical Doctors under the employment of the Lagos State Government.

    Dr Oluwajimi Sodipo, Chairman of the Guild, made this known to newsmen at a press briefing on Sunday in Lagos.

    Sodipo said that the strike, which would run from Monday, July 13 to 16, would exempt members working in the state’s COVID-19 isolation centres.

    He said that Congress of the Guild had on June 27 extended the two weeks ultimatum to the state government, after expiration of its initial 21 days ultimatum to resolve the issues.

    The guild leader noted that the grace period was given to the government to meet 70 per cent of the doctors’ demands in order to avert the strike.

    He, however, said that the Council, after its meeting on July 11, observed that some of the demands were unresolved by the government.

    According to him, wage disparity between the Federal and Lagos State doctors is not being given necessary attention by the state government.

    “The issue, of COVID-19 hazard allowances and inducement allowances Memorandum of Understanding approved by the Federal Government to the doctors, has not been approved by Lagos Government to her doctors.

    “Doctors working in COVID-19 isolation centres are still being owed two months salaries which have remained unpaid at the moment.

    “They are also being unceremoniously disengaged without recourse to their welfares,” he said.

    The chairman stressed that the issues of doctors getting infected and re-infected on daily basis was not getting the required attention from the government.

    “Our members are putting themselves on the line daily to provide care, and we need to do everything to protect our colleagues,” Sodipo said.

    He maintained that adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), prompt testing of health workers and insurance should be provided.

    Sodipo added that issues of shortage of doctors in health facilities have yet to be resolved with no visible substantive action taken by the government to resolve it.

    “The congress will reconvene after the three days warning strike to review the progress made and plan for further actions.

    “We call on the Lagos State Government to do all within its power to resolve the impasse,” he said.

    Also, Dr Babajide Saheed, former Chairman of the Guild, said that the government could still avert the strike within 24 hours, if the needful was done.

  • Lagos doctors begin 3 days warning strike Monday

    Lagos doctors begin 3 days warning strike Monday

    Doctors under the aegis of the Medical Guild in Lagos State are set to begin three days warning strike from Monday, over issues they say affect their safety and welfare.

    Dr Oluwajimi Sodipo, Chairman of the Guild, that is the association of medical doctors under the employment of the Lagos State Government, made this known to newsmen at a press briefing on Sunday in Lagos.

    Sodipo said the strike, which would run from Monday, July 13 to 16, would exempt members working in the State’s COVID-19 isolation centres.

    He said that Congress of the Guild had on June 27 extended the two weeks ultimatum to the state government, after expiration of its initial 21 days ultimatum to resolve the issues.

    The guild leader noted that the grace period was given to the government to meet 70 per cent of the doctors’ demands in order to avert the strike.

    He, however, said that the Council, after its meeting on July 11, observed that some of the demands were unresolved by the government.

    According to him, wage disparity between the Federal and Lagos State doctors is not being given necessary attention by the state government.

    “The issue of COVID-19 hazard allowances and inducement allowances Memorandum of Understanding approved by the Federal Government to the doctors has not been approved by Lagos Government to her doctors.

    “Doctors working in COVID-19 isolation centres are still being owed two months salaries which has remained unpaid at the moment.

    “They are also being unceremoniously disengaged without recourse to their welfares,” he said.

    The chairman stressed that the issues of doctors getting infected and re-infected on daily basis was not getting the required attention from the government.

    “Our members are putting themselves on the line daily to provide care, and we need to do everything to protect our colleagues,” Sodipo said.

    He maintained that adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), prompt testing of health workers and insurance should be provided.

    Sodipo added that issues of shortage of doctors in health facilities have yet to be resolved with no visible substantive action taken by the government to resolve it.

    “The congress will reconvene after the three days warning strike to review the progress made and plan for further actions.

    “We call on the Lagos State Government to do all within its power to resolve the impasse,” he said.

    Also, Dr Babajide Saheed, former Chairman of the Guild, said that the government could still avert the strike within 24 hours, if the needful was done.

  • NIS refuses departure of 58 Nigerian Medical Doctors

    NIS refuses departure of 58 Nigerian Medical Doctors

    Operatives of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja, Lagos, has refused departure of 58 Nigerian doctors.
    The Spokesman of the service, Mr Sunday James, disclosed this in a statement made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.
    James noted that the doctors attempted traveling aboard a UK bound aircraft flight number ENT 550, registration number SP-ES that flew in from London.
    According to him, 56 of the doctors had no visa for entry to United Kingdom, while only two (2) had visa.
    “The 58 Medical Doctors were refused departure in line with Section 31 subsection 2a and b, of Act 2015.
    “This means, on powers conferred on the Comptroller General, NIS, Mr Muhammad Babandede, to prohibit departure of any person under the conditions stated in the Act.
    “The chartered flight approved for landing in Nigeria was to carry 42 medical doctors for a training program but they were 58 with only two having visa for entry into UK.
    “A situation that calls for refusal of departure, ” he said.
    James said that NIS as the agency saddled with control of entry and departure from Nigeria of persons would not allow individuals or groups of well-educated Nigerians to disobey the laws.
    He added that those who should know the procedures for travelling out of their country and the requirements, which include having a valid visa for entry into a destination country to leave, should not violate the laws.
    “This is to avoid refusal of entry and repatriation back to Nigeria amidst COVID-19 pandemic.
    “And also spreading of same as well as flouting the Federal Government’s directive on restriction of international flights unless for essential reason as approved by government.
    “There is no official communication to the Service from the Ministry of Health in Nigeria or any known Medical body notifying the NIS of the travel of this number of medical doctors.
    “The aircraft has departed for London without the medical doctors.
    “The Comptroller General is taking this opportunity to advise Nigerians to always adhere to travel protocols.
    “They should ensure they have valid passports with valid visa to the country they intended travelling to before going to any Airport, Seaport or Land Border Control to avoid refusal to depart.
  • Immigration stops 58 medical doctors from leaving Nigeria

    Immigration stops 58 medical doctors from leaving Nigeria

    Operatives of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja, Lagos has refused departure of 58 medical doctors from the country.

    The Spokesman of the service, Mr Sunday James, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja, noted that the doctors attempted travelling aboard a UK bound aircraft flight number ENT 550 with registration number SP-ES that flew in from London.

    According to him, 56 of the doctors had no visa for entry to the United Kingdom, while only two (2) had visa.

    “The 58 Medical Doctors were refused departure in line with Section 31 subsection 2a and b, of Act 2015. This means, on powers conferred on the Comptroller General, NIS, Mr Muhammad Babandede, to prohibit departure of any person under the conditions stated in the Act.

    “The chartered flight approved for landing in Nigeria was to carry 42 medical doctors for a training program but they were 58 with only two having visa for entry into the UK. A situation that calls for refusal of departure,” he said.

    James said that NIS as the agency saddled with control of entry and departure from Nigeria of persons would not allow individuals or groups of well-educated Nigerians to disobey the laws.

    He added that those who should know the procedures for travelling out of their country and the requirements, which include having a valid visa for entry into a destination country to leave, should not violate the laws.

    “This is to avoid refusal of entry and repatriation back to Nigeria amidst COVID-19 pandemic. And also spreading of same as well as flouting the Federal Government’s directive on restriction of international flights unless for essential reason as approved by government.

    “There is no official communication to the Service from the Ministry of Health in Nigeria or any known Medical body notifying the NIS of the travel of this number of medical doctors. The aircraft has departed for London without the medical doctors.

    “The Comptroller General is taking this opportunity to advise Nigerians to always adhere to travel protocols. They should ensure they have valid passports with valid visa to the country they intended travelling to before going to any Airport, Seaport or Land Border Control to avoid refusal to depart,” he added.

  • BREAKING: FG gives N4.5bn allowances for striking doctors

    BREAKING: FG gives N4.5bn allowances for striking doctors

    The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, on Friday, disclosed that the Federal Government has released N4.5bn to 31 federal teaching hospitals and medical centres nationwide.

    He said the sum covered hazard and inducement allowances of striking doctors for April and May.

    Ngige disclosed this to State House correspondents shortly after he, the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire; and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mr Festus Keyamo, briefed President Muhammadu Buhari, on the ongoing industrial action embarked upon by the National Association of Resident Doctors.

    He said, “Just this morning, before we went to see Mr President, the Ministry of Finance reported that as at this morning, 3 am, they have paid the allowances for hazard and inducement to 31 teaching and Federal Medical Centres and specialist hospitals of the Federal Government service and they have expended close to N4.5 billion on the payment because we are paying them the arrears of April and May.

    “The payment for June will also be done immediately these ones are sorted out.

    “Again, it is important to report to you that in consonance with what he is saying, we have arranged a meeting for them to speak to the Nigerian Governors’ Forum because you don’t mix apples and oranges.

    “The issue of health is on the concurrent list, so the Federal Government will do its own and the state governments will be expected to do their own. Some of their grievances border on what they feel the state governments have not done.”

  • What we are doing to ensure striking doctors return to work soon – FG

    What we are doing to ensure striking doctors return to work soon – FG

    The Federal Government on Thursday assured Nigerians that the nationwide strike action embarked upon by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) will end soon.

    This was revealed by the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire on Thursday. He said he had a frank and fruitful discussion with the association’s representatives.

    Speaking during the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 briefing in Abuja, the minister said there was some merit in the doctors’ complaints.

    He, however, said some of the issues raised were within the purview of state governments.

    Ehanire said he prioritised the issue of personal protective equipment.

    “We will make sure it is available in all the places where it is to be used.

    “Sometimes, it may be that the warehouse of a particular facility has not given it out,” he said.

    Ehanire said it was erroneous to assume that the Federal Government could dictate to states regarding certain complaints.

    “We can only put in a word, but we can’t deal with the state problems within the state.

    “I also explained that this COVID-19 period is not a good time to withdraw services because people’s lives can be at risk.

    “I believe that they will do the right thing and go back to their duties as assigned,” the minister said.

    Also yesterday, health workers under the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and Assembly of Health Care Professionals asked the Federal Government to pay the hazard and inducement allowances promised them.

    In a June 15 letter to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, they said their demand is hinged on the government’s decision to release N4 billion to NARD members.

    The unions described the decision as “an action that classified JOHESU members as second class citizens” despite also being on the frontline.

    The letter, signed by the Chairman and Acting Secretary of JOHESU, Biobelemoye Josiah and Matthew Ajorutu, was also addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Minister of Health.

    They called for the immediate implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) dated April 21.

  • NARD exempts doctors treating COVID-19 from 2-week strike

    The National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria (NARD) has exempted doctors treating COVID-19 patients at designated treatment and isolation centres from its two weeks industrial action commencing on Monday midnight.

    NARD President, Dr Aliyu Sokomba, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja, during a press briefing on decisions taken at the virtual extra ordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the NARD on Sunday.

    He said that the virtual meeting was held to review the 14 days ultimatum issued to government which elapsed two days ago.

    Sokomba said that the exemption was in recognition of the intervention of Hon. Tanko Sanunu, Chairman House Committee on Health Services, other stakeholders and a demonstration of NARD goodwill to the country.

    The president appealed to Nigerians to bear and understand with the association.

    Sokomba said that the demands include the provision of the inadequate appropriate personal protective equipment for all healthcare workers.

    According to him, other demands include “universal implementation of medical residency training act in all federal and state hospitals and ensuring pay parity among doctors of equal cadre, provision of funding of medical residency training in the 2021 appropriation bill.

    “Immediate implementation of the revised hazard allowance and payment of the COVID-19 inducement allowance agreed with the government and healthcare workers three months ago.

    “Stoppage and immediate refund of all illegal, unjust and callous cut in salaries of our members by Kaduna State and other state governments,” Sokomba said.

    He disclosed that the meeting was attended by over 500 members of the association.