The Nigeria Association of Government Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGMDP), Kwara chapter, has threatened to down tools over poor pay.

The association warned, “If our demands are not met by September 13, 2021, we shall have no alternative than to withdraw the service of our members across all the hospitals in the state.”

Their threat is contained in a letter addressed to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and other stakeholders. It was jointly signed by the chairman and secretary of the association, Saka Agboola and Ayinde Musa.

According to the medical practitioners, the threat to withdraw their services is also due to poor condition of service.

The association said the poor working conditions had “resulted to a major cause of mass resignation and brain drain which we are currently experiencing among doctors and other health care workers in the state.”

“With reference to the letter sent to your Excellency dated June 16, 2021, titled ‘Letter of request’ and subsequent reminders dated July 13 and July 27, 2021, respectively, drawing your attention. On Friday, August 27, 2021, an emergency general meeting of NAGMDP, Kwara state chapter was held,’’ it said.

The association insisted the government must recruit more medical officers in addition to the constant replacement of those resigning on a daily basis.

“There should be provision for adequate security in all of our hospitals to avoid breaking down of law and order by patients and their relatives,” the association added. “The state government should provide patients relatives building in hospitals, where relatives can be in comfort, while health workers take care of their relatives on admission.”

The association also urged payment of COVID-19 allowances to members and other health care workers and provision of a vehicle and housing loan facility at a single-digit interest rate.

Reacting to the development, Oladimeji Sa’ad-Aluko, the Kwara State Hospital Management Bureau director-general, said the governor was considering their demands.