Doctors in Kwara begin 7-day warning strike over salary deductions

Doctors serving the Kwara State Government have begun a seven-day warning strike over unresolved welfare issues and deductions from their salaries under the Kwara Health Insurance Scheme (KHIS).

The strike includes doctors from the Kwara Doctors Forum, namely the Association of Medical and Dental Consultants of Nigeria (MDCAN), the National Association of Government General Doctors and Dentists (NAGGMDP) and the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), KWASUTH.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday in Ilorin, the President,

Dr Adeola Olasinde of MDCAN said the decision was taken at the congress held on October 14, after the expiry of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the state government.

Olasinde said the ultimatum, effective from October 1 to October 14, was to address welfare concerns, including sudden salary deductions for the Kwara Health Insurance Scheme (KwaraCare).

H said there is also the issue of non-implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), the official salary scale for dental doctors and surgeons in the service of the Nigerian government.

Olasinde said government must reverse the 2% salary deduction for the KHIS and start paying the approved arrears on equipment allowances for 2025 and 2026.

He said the government must also recruit house officers, medical officers, resident doctors and consultants in all health facilities.