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  • Strike: FG sends passionate appeal to health workers

    Strike: FG sends passionate appeal to health workers

    The Federal Government has assured health workers that the ongoing dialogue will address the long-standing welfare issues in the sector.

    It called on all health workers to put the Nigerian people at the centre of their attention.

    ‎Prof. Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, states these after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Village, Abuja

    ‎Addressing State House correspondents after the meeting, Pate confirmed that discussions are ongoing with key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), which recently issued an ultimatum over unresolved concerns.

    ‎“There are issues we can resolve through negotiation, and we are intent, in good faith, to continue to find ways to resolve those outstanding issues with them over time.

    ‎“At the end of the day, the health workers are the lifeblood of the healthcare system, and the infrastructure and equipment we are providing have to be complemented by the health workers,” he said.

    ‎Pate reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining peaceful labour relations and averting strikes in the health sector.

    ‎He highlighted the administration’s major investments in tertiary health institutions across the country.

    ‎“We are seeing a revolution in terms of the infrastructure and equipment in federal tertiary institutions across our country.

    ‎“Recently launched oncology centres in hospitals in Katsina, Enugu, and Maiduguri are just examples of what this President has approved. Resources have already been deployed for tangible results that Nigerians can see.

    “Folks who are unfortunately facing the deadly disease of cancer may now choose to use our own resources here in this country, unless somebody chooses to do otherwise.

    ‎“World-class infrastructure that this President has provided can attend to most kinds of cancers, and these are accompanied by human resources dedicated to cancer care,” he said.

    ‎Th minister announced FEC’s approval for a major upgrade of the oncology centre at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

    ‎“In line with health sector renewal investment initiative, today’s approval is a continuation of the trend of revolutionising the health infrastructure. The new facility will feature a Linear Accelerator for advanced cancer diagnosis and treatment.

    ‎“This will enable Nigerians who are suffering from cancer to be catered for,” he said, adding that more centres in Lagos, Nasarawa, and other states are in the pipeline”.

    ‎Pate also referenced recently inaugurated projects at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, which has transformed the facility among the largest in West Africa.

    ‎“This week alone, more than 10 major projects were commissioned there – a neurology centre, a stroke centre, a heart centre, an interventional radiology centre, and a revamped oncology centre.”

    ‎“This country has never witnessed such attention by a president to boost the health system,” he said

    ‎Addressing labour tensions, Pate acknowledged that a circular from the Accrued Wages Commission had triggered unrest among health professionals.

    ‎“This is a listening government.”

    ‎“The circular was withdrawn, and now we are in the process of negotiating in a transparent manner the increment in allowances so that we meet those health workers on the needs that they have expressed,” he said

    ‎Pate further confirmed the government’s decision to centralise the posting of nurses to ensure fairness and equity.

    ‎He reaffirmed President Tinubu’s directive to prioritise both health infrastructure and the workforce welfare.

  • 30 doctors exited Jigawa in 5 months – NMA

    30 doctors exited Jigawa in 5 months – NMA

    The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), has expressed concern about the exodus of 30 medical doctors from Jigawa due to poor remuneration.

    Dr Usman Haruna, the Chairman of the association in the state, said this at a news conference on Monday in Dutse.

    He said the doctors were exiting the state service at an alarming rate from February 2025 to date.

    “Jigawa state is losing its best trained professionals to neighboring states and federal institutions that offer standard and competitive remuneration based on the CONMESS salary table.

    “This hemorrhage of talent threatens the very foundation of our state’s healthcare system,” he said.

    Haruna attributed the trend to the inability of the salary review committee to submit its report five months after inauguration.

    “Over five months ago, after our crucial engagement with Gov. Umar Namadi, in his magnanimity graciously approved and mandated the minimum wage implementation committee, to within two weeks meet with us, resolve and report to him on the fiscal requirements for implementing urgent salary adjustments for doctors, to align with the Federal Government’s counterparts, including correction of entry point disparities, implementation of hazard and rectification of call duty allowances.

    “To date, this committee has failed to report back to the governor, despite having allegedly completed the assignment a long time ago,” he said.

    According to Haruna, the delay in the submission of the committee’s report is fueling mass exodus of doctors from the state health system.

    He said the failure to submit the report presented a threat to undermine the governor’s achievements in the health sector.

    While commending Namadi for his healthcare transformation programmes, Haruna called for the immediate submission of the committee’s report.

  • Doctors to begin nationwide strike after ultimatum

    Doctors to begin nationwide strike after ultimatum

    As the 21-day ultimatum it issued to the Federal Government draws to a close on July 23, the Nigerian Medical Association has warned it will ground medical services nationwide if the government fails to meet its demands.

    Its President, Prof Bala Audu, who confirmed this in an exclusive interview The Punch on Sunday, noted that the association was prepared to take decisive action should the government fail to respond adequately to its demands.

    Prof Audu stressed that the association’s demands were critical to the survival of Nigeria’s healthcare system and the welfare of medical professionals across the country.

    The NMA had, on July 2, issued an ultimatum in protest against a circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission on revised allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service, which the doctors kicked against for violating prior agreements.

    The association issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to withdraw the circular and meet its other demands to avert industrial action in the health sector.

    “We have made our position clear. The ultimatum ends on July 23, and if the Federal Government does not address our demands, we may have no choice but to proceed with a strike,” he said.

    According to him, the circular contains provisions that were not mutually agreed upon and which undermine the remuneration and welfare of medical professionals.

    “We have rejected that circular outright. We expect that any new directive affecting our members should be the outcome of mutual consultation, not something imposed,” he stated.

    Prof Audu disclosed that the NMA had been engaging with the Federal Government to avert a crisis.

    “The last meeting happened two weeks ago and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate; the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako; the Permanent Secretary, the Director of Hospital Services, and the representative of minister of labour were at the meeting, and some affiliate of the NMA were present, and I was part of that meeting as well.

    “The minister appreciated us, then he spoke about the issues as contained in the list of demands from the NMA.

    “However, he felt that we should go for a further meeting, and another meeting was slated for last week, unfortunately, in the week, we lost the former President Muhammadu Buhari, so the meeting couldn’t be held.

    “However, the next meeting is supposed to happen between us, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, which issued a circular that we feel is obnoxious, and we have rejected it. We would also meet with the Ministry of Finance and representatives from the Ministry of Health,” he added.

    The NMA president expressed concern that time was running out, adding that unless the meeting was held within the next few days, the association may be left with no other alternative but industrial action.

    “We expect that after the funeral ceremonies, government stakeholders will reconvene with us, hopefully by Monday. Otherwise, the 21-day ultimatum still stands.

    “If the government fails to prioritise this matter, a strike may be inevitable,” he added.

    The Katsina State NMA branch, in a communique issued after its State Executive Council meeting, expressed “grave disappointment” and “unequivocal condemnation” over the circular.

    The meeting, held in Katsina, on Saturday, noted that “NMA Katsina State branch hereby rejects National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission’s (NSIWC) circular (SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646) dated 27th June, 2025 on review of allowances for medical/dental officers in the federal public service and demands urgent government withdrawal action and fulfillment of all the demands.”

    The communique, made available to newsmen on Sunday, was jointly signed by the Chairman, NMA Katsina, Dr Muhammadu Sani and Secretary, Dr Yahya Salisu.

    The association warned that it could not guarantee non-disruption of health services if their demands were not met.

  • Katsina NMA threatens strike

    Katsina NMA threatens strike

    The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Katsina state chapter, has threatened to embark on strike, over a purported Federal Government circular on salary adjustments for medical and dental practitioners in Nigeria.

    This is contained in a communique signed by Dr Muhammadu Sani-Abubakar and Dr Yahaya Salisu-Sodangi, the state NMA Chairman and Secretary respectively and issued to newsmen on Sunday in Katsina.

    The communique followed their State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held on Saturday in Katsina.

    The NMA Katsina state branch expressed disappointment and unequivocal condemnation over the issue.

    “It’s grossly inadequate, misleading and a flagrant violation of the spirit and letter of agreements reached during the collective bargaining process between NMA and the government of Nigeria.

    “We hereby reject national salaries, incomes and wages commission’s (NSIWC) circular (SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646) dated June 27, 2025 on review of allowances for medical/dental officers in the Federal public service.

    “The NMA demands urgent government withdrawal action and fulfillment of all our demands.

    “We cannot guarantee a non-disruption of health services if our demands are not met,” the association warned.

    It said it expects the government to address their demands as outlined by the National Official Committee (NOC) on July 2.

    It also noted that the healthcare sector was on the brink due to unfulfilled promises and poor welfare for doctors.

    “NMA condemns the circular purportedly issued to address the consequential adjustment of allowances under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS, for medical and dental practitioners in Nigeria.

    “This is with the immense and urgent brain drain experienced across the nation and the debilitating effect of work burnt-out our members are exposed to on a daily basis.

    “The government ought to have improved the welfare, remuneration and social services that will boost the morale of the remaining doctors that have sacrificed to serve our dear fatherland.

    “Instead, the silent and unfulfilled promises made by successive governments have pushed the healthcare sector to the brink.

    “The biting economic crisis and reduction in purchasing power has made the income nothing to show for,” the communique read in part.

    The NMA noted that their members are dedicated and hardworking and it was only right for the government to leave up to their responsibilities of ensuring a healthier society.

    It further said that with the expiration of the 21 days grace period, they are solidly behind the NOC stance and decisions to embark on strike.

    “We hereby expect that attention will be given to our demands as earlier released by the NOC on July 2, 2025.

    “We cannot guarantee non-disruption in the health services rendered to the Nigerian people at the expiration of such,” the communique stated.

  • NMA seeks talks with FG to avert health sector crisis

    NMA seeks talks with FG to avert health sector crisis

    The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has appealed to the Federal Government to engage the association in dialogue to ensure quality healthcare services and development of the health sector.

    Its Lagos State Chairman, Dr Babajide Saheed, made the call during a news conference on Friday in Lagos.

    Saheed emphasised that this was critical to avert crisis in the sector and resolve the controversy that arose due to the circular on the salary structure.

    According to him, only through collaborative, evidence-based decision-making can the country achieve a salary structure that is fair, sustainable, and in line with global best practices.

    He further added that the salary structure should value the enormous sacrifice and responsibility of Nigerian doctors.

    “The NMA Lagos State Branch fully aligns with and supports the 21-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government by the National Officers Committee of the NMA.

    “This ultimatum is not an act of confrontation but a call for urgent dialogue and correction.

    “We also affirm our unwavering support for all the demands articulated by the national body, including the restoration of salary relativity, the reversal of unjust allowance allocations, and the adoption of a professionally sound and globally aligned remuneration framework.”

    Saheed also urged the Lagos State Government to refrain from adopting the proposed salary structure in its current form.

    He called on Lagos government to wait for a resolution properly negotiated and endorsed by NMA national.

    “Lagos has a history of promoting excellence in healthcare. Implementing a flawed structure will not only damage that reputation but may also result in avoidable disruption across health facilities in the state.”

    He cautioned that the ongoing brain drain in the health sector will worsen significantly if the current issues are not addressed.

    The NMA on July 2, called on the Federal Government to address its grievances within a 21-day window.

    The NMA requested that the government withdraws and replaces the National, Salaries, Income, Wages Commission (NSIWC) circular, honour all outstanding collective bargain agreements.

    Other demands include resolve outstanding allowances and correct distortions in the pay structure; and protect the professional autonomy and dignity of Nigerian doctors.

  • Zamfara: NMA reacts over doctors’ salary increment

    Zamfara: NMA reacts over doctors’ salary increment

    The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has commended Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State for approving increase in medical doctors’ salary in the State.

    This, according to the NMA, places Zamfara doctors as the highest-paid in Northern Nigeria.

    The State Chairman of the association in Zamfara, Dr Ibrahim Hano, disclosed this at a news conference on Thursday in Gusau.

    Hano acknowledged the efforts of Gov. Lawal’s administration in implementing unprecedented reforms in the state’s health sector, describing the review of doctors’ welfare packages as historic.

    “Gov Lawal’s administration has set a new standard by approving enhanced renumeration for medical doctors in the state, including the implementation of the “skipping” policy and the introduction of rural posting allowances.

    “With this welcome development, Zamfara now pays the highest salary to doctors in Northern Nigeria,” the chairman confirmed.

    He said the decision would significantly boost the morale of health workers, enhance retention, and make the state’s health service more attractive.

    Hano expressed confidence that the governor’s timely health reforms would set a new benchmark for sustainable healthcare delivery in the state and the northern region.

    According to him, the governor deserves commendation for the renovation, expansion, and modernisation of the State Specialist Hospital in Gusau, alongside several general hospitals across the state.

    “The NMA is impressed with the provision of cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment equipment that has improved the capacity of health facilities to manage complex medical conditions.

    “The NMA is also impressed with the present administration in the state for recognising the importance of primary healthcare as the bedrock of public health.

    “The recent approval for the recruitment of healthcare professionals across various cadres is a forward-thinking measure that addresses the longstanding workforce deficits in the sector,” he said.

  • Doctors’ new retirement age will cushion effects of japa scourge – NMA

    Doctors’ new retirement age will cushion effects of japa scourge – NMA

    The recent increase in the retirement age for doctors and healthcare workers, from 60 to 65 years, will help to cushion the effects of ‘japa’ scourge in the health sector.

    The Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Oyo State Branch, Dr Happy Adedapo, disclosed this in an interview with NAN in Ibadan on Saturday.

    Recall President Bola Tinubu approved 65 years as the new retirement age for doctors and other healthcare workers earlier in the week.

    According to Adedapo, the approval is a welcome development to somewhat take care of some downsides of the highly prevalent japa malady among other issues bedevilling the healthcare delivery system.

    The state NMA chair emphasised that the approval would mitigate the effects of inadequate personnel in the health sector.

    “It is something the body of doctors has been advocating as most healthcare facilities are short-staffed.

    “Generally, apart from the external ‘japa’, there is the internal ‘japa’ as well.

    “People are also migrating to places like Lagos and Abuja due to better working conditions on a daily basis.

    “The lacuna created by the shortage of staff, as a result of the exit of top and junior professionals, would be surely plugged, even if temporarily, while further ingenious measures are adopted for permanent respite.

    “It’s better to retain the old and experienced ones who have been in the system and not planning to relocate.

    “So, it’s a welcome development if followed through and backed by extant documents,” Adedapo said.

  • NMA disowns alleged killer of EFCC, says he’s not our member

    NMA disowns alleged killer of EFCC, says he’s not our member

    The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Anambra State Chapter, has debunked reports identifying the suspect accused of killing an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officer in Awka as a medical doctor.

    In a statement released by Dr. Obiaeli Ifeanyi, the State Secretary of the NMA, via X (formerly Twitter), on Monday, the association clarified that the suspect, Joshua Ikechukwu, is neither a licensed medical practitioner nor a member of the NMA.

    Ikechukwu allegedly killed an EFCC officer, Aminu Salisu, during an operation in the early hours of Friday, January 17, 2025, at Dr J.O. Ukwutinife Close, Ifite, Awka.

    The EFCC said Ikechukwu was allegedly involved in “online medical supplies of doubtful legitimacy.”

    An online publication was said to have reported that the suspect was a staff member of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital.

    Addressing these claims, the NMA expressed concern over the misuse of the title “medical doctor” by impostors.

    “The attention of the leadership of NMA Anambra State has been drawn to online and newspaper publications alleging that a medical doctor shot an EFCC officer in Awka,” the statement said.

    “In one of the publications, the suspect was described as a staff member of NAUTH. However, following our investigation, we wish to clarify that: Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu is not a staff member of NAUTH, as confirmed by the hospital’s management.

    “He is not a member of the NMA Awka Zone, nor has any member identified him as a colleague. He is not a medical doctor (not even an academic doctor), though he deals in medical supplies and has been erroneously addressed as one.

    “The NMA Anambra State hereby notifies the media and EFCC that the said suspect is not a medical doctor. We demand an immediate retraction of all defamatory publications where he was referred to as such. We urge the media to conduct due diligence before publishing claims.”

  • NMA proffers solution to “japa syndrome”

    NMA proffers solution to “japa syndrome”

    The First Vice-President of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr Benjamin Olowojebutu, says increasing the retirement age of health workers from 60 to 65 will address “japa syndrome.”

    Olowojebutu said this when he led some members of NMA to pay a courtesy visit to Rep. Wale Ahmed (APC-Lagos) in his office at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Friday to express appreciation for sponsoring the bill.

    “Japa syndrome” is a situation where professionals, particularly in the health sector, leave the country in doves in search of greener pastures.

    Olowojebutu called for speedy passage of the bill to increase the retirement age of health workers in the country from 60 to 65 and the maximum pensionable years of service from 35 to 40.

    The bill is entitled: ‘A Bill for an Act to Make Provisions for the Retirement Age Increment for Health Workers in Nigeria and for Related Matters’.

    “We are here to say a big ‘thank you’ to our colleague and member of the House of Reps, Wale Ahmed, for championing this important bill in the quest for quality healthcare delivery in this country.

    “One of the things we have realised is that lots of our doctors have experiences, and when they exit after retirement, those that replace them are younger colleagues that still need experience.

    “So one of the things to do is to increase their age so that there are more experiences for those younger doctors to learn from when they retire.

    “So we’re glad that we’ve come to see him today, and he has shown a lot more commitment to expedite the bill to become law in this country. And I can assure you, it will boost the morale of doctors in this country,” he said.

    Olowojebutu appealed to the house leadership to look at the bill as a comprehensive one that would aid healthcare delivery in the country.

    According to him, it will also support the livelihood of medical doctors who had served Nigeria for a long time and the passion they had put into this country.

    “A lot of our friends have left the country, but some of us are still very dogged and passionate about staying in the country because we are patriotic.

    “We have a lot of passion for the health care of this nation. So we appeal to the leadership of the house to help us expedite this bill,” he said

    Dr Mohammed Mohammed, President of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, said that the bill would improve health care delivery in the country.

    Mohammed urged leadership of the National Assembly, especially the House of Reps, to give the bill the urgency it deserved, just like they did for the national budget, as it would touch the lives of the masses from the cradle.

  • NMA cites challenges doctors face

    NMA cites challenges doctors face

    The Abia Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has identified scarcity of equipment, human and material resources, and long working hours as major challenges hindering doctors’ optimal performance.

    Dr Ezinwa Ezurike, Chairman of the Chapter, disclosed this during a press briefing on Monday at Umuahia, to mark the 2024 National Physicians Week.

    Ezurike commended doctors in Abia for their resilience, compassion, and expertise, in spite of these challenges.

    He said the 2024 theme, “Ensuring Universal Applicability in Remuneration: A Panacea to Talent Retention in the Healthcare Sector,” highlighted the need for a universal standard of remuneration to discourage Nigerian healthcare professionals from seeking opportunities abroad.

    According to Ezurike, the “brain drain” phenomenon is not solely an individual decision but also a consequence of a system that failed to offer fair compensation and career fulfilment.

    He emphasised that fair remuneration encompassed not only salary but also recognition of healthcare workers’ value, which motivated them and guarded against burnout.

    He noted the Key challenges faced by healthcare workers were inadequate infrastructure and resources hindering healthcare delivery and excessive working hours contributing to burnout and decreased quality of care.

    Other challenges, he said are disparities in remuneration across locations, institutions, and cadres, low pay and poor working conditions discouraging young professionals from entering the healthcare sector.

    Ezurike urged governments to prioritise healthcare by implementing the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure and improve healthcare infrastructure and working conditions.

    He stressed that Nigeria cannot compete with other countries in retaining healthcare professionals without fair, transparent, and universally applicable remuneration.