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The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ogun State chapter, has embarked on an indefinite strike over the unresolved issue of pay gap between federal and state medical workers.
The State Chairman of the Medical Association, Dr. Azeem Kunle Ashimi, disclosed this at a press briefing held on Tuesday at the association’s secretariat, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
He explained that the decision to continue the indefinite strike was taken after a 3-day warning strike failed.
Ashimi noted that the strike, which began on Saturday, August 3, 2024, is primarily aimed at addressing the pay gap between federal and state medical workers.
He said: “Unfortunately, we could not reach a compromise with the government.
“The government continues to argue that the minimum wage issue and other related issues are common problems, but the public believes that we need to address the issues on the ground.
READ ALSO: Ogun doctors threaten strike over poor working conditions
“The crux of the doctors’ grievances lies in the reviewed CONMESS (Consolidated Medical Salary Structure), which they believe should be implemented to stem the exodus of medical professionals from Ogun State.
“Ogun State is losing many doctors every day, because of the salary gap. If the reviewed CONMESS is paid, it will encourage doctors to stay.”
In an effort to retain medical personnel, the NMA said it has undertaken various initiatives over the past two years.
He explained: “We have made significant strides in helping doctors feel a sense of belonging in the community.
“We have facilitated access to land for housing, started cooperatives for savings, and various other actions.
“However, aligning civil service salaries with federal employee salaries would go a long way in encouraging physicians to stay.
“I attended a meeting on human resources for health and I am not happy with the way doctors are leaving Nigeria, especially from the state where I practice and where I am the NMA Chairman. People are leaving the state in droves.”
However, Ashimi stressed that the strike would be short-lived, if handled properly.
Ogun Doctors Go on Indefinite Strike Over Pay Disparity First Posted on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.
