Kwara government, NMA meet to avert doctors’ strike
Kwara government, on Monday, met with members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) over the notice of strike given by the medical doctors working with the state government.
The medical doctors had earlier given the government a 21-day ultimatum to attend to their requests or face a strike. The truce was brokered at the meeting between the state government and the executive officers of the NMA in Ilorin.
While the state government was represented by the head of service, Susan Oluwole, the NMA team was led by the chairman, Abdulkadir Ahmed.
Speaking at the meeting, Mrs Oluwole, while acknowledging the demands of the doctors, said that most of the issues were not peculiar to the medical profession and that the government was already taking steps to alleviate the problems and enhance the welfare of the entire workforce.
Mrs Oluwole enjoined members of the association to exercise restraint, stressing that the threat to embark on strike was uncalled for at this moment.
“The government has a massive plan for the revival of the health sector, and by the time it is concluded, nobody will have a reason to go to ‘japa’,” she said.
Abubakar Ayinla, the permanent secretary of the ministry of health, acknowledged the efforts of the present administration in repositioning the health sector.
He noted that the state government had made regular payment of the doctors’ salaries a priority, in addition to improving the working facilities in the hospitals.
“Doctors were the first to enjoy the new salary scale before other sectors in the state and have been paid the CONSAS, while the government is also looking into the hazard allowance matter,” he said.
In his reaction, the NMA chairman said that the workload on medical doctors working with the state government was massive due to lack of qualified hands.
He noted that there had been a low response to the advertised employment of new doctors, attributing this to what he called “poor take home pay for medical officers.”
Mr Ahmed called on the government to urgently look into the improvement of the salary and hazard allowance of the doctors in order to make the state attractive for qualified health professionals.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
Focus on criminals, stop targeting journalists, CPJ tells Nigerian security agencies
She also pointed out harsh bail requirements imposed on journalists, describing Mr Ugagbe’s bail conditions as “utterly punitive.”
Education
Tinubu upgrades Nasarawa poly to university
Mr Onanuga said the approval followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Aliyu, who represents the Nasarawa West Senatorial District.
Lagos
Lagos govt signs agreement to automate vehicle registration
Mr Osiyemi said the initiative would simplify and speed up vehicle registration by eliminating cumbersome processes.
States
Three rescued, one body recovered as building collapses in Kano
The PRO attributed the collapse to the use of poor and substandard building materials.
NationWide
FG calls for stronger African collaboration to combat illicit wealth, transnational corruption
Mr Fagbemi added that the recovery and transparent management of proceeds of crime remained a key pillar of the country’s anti-corruption policy.
Heading 2
FG reiterates commitment to ensuring safe return of Nigerians from South Africa
“The last evacuation flight, which is expected to bring home approximately 300 of our nationals, is expected to arrive in Nigeria next week,” Mr Ebienfa said.
