Ogun doctors threaten strike over poor working conditions

The Ogun State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has declared its readiness to embark on strike over poor working conditions.

The Ogun NMA said it would commence the strike at the expiration of the 21-day ultimatum issued to the state government.

The association’s chairman, Dr Kunle Ashimi, made this known at a press conference in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Friday, June 21, 2024.

Ashimi disclosed that the ultimatum issued on June 7 would expire on Thursday, June 27.

Ashimi said the doctors would have no choice but to embark on strike unless the government addressed their concerns.

He listed the non-payment of the reviewed CONMESS salary scale and failure to recruit new doctors as some of the issues requiring government attention.

The Ogun NMA chairman noted that despite ongoing discussions with relevant government officials, there had only been verbal assurances without official commitments.

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Ashimi, therefore, urged the people of Ogun State to call on the government to take necessary steps to prevent the looming strike, which would disrupt healthcare services across the state.

Ashimi said: “The State Executive Council of NMA Ogun issued a 21-day ultimatum to the state government on June 7, which will elapse on June 27.

“This indicated that industrial harmony may not be guaranteed after this date as the pressure of work on the few doctors holding forth is yielding dire consequences.

“Ongoing conversations with relevant government officers only came with verbal assurances but no official commitment yet.

“Concerned affiliates of NMA Ogun have been engaging the government on the need to commence the payment of the reviewed CONMESS salary scale for doctors in the state in order to motivate and retain those who have not left and to attract new ones.

“We use this opportunity to call on well-meaning citizens of Ogun State to impress upon the Ogun State Government to do the needful to avert any industrial action.”

The NMA chief said Babcock University Teaching Hospital witnessed a monthly electricity bill surge between N80 million and N100 million to N300 million.

He called for concessions to be given to health institutions to prevent increased costs from being passed onto patients, potentially making healthcare inaccessible to the people.

Ashimi added: “While we appreciate the zeal of the government to develop the energy sector, we appeal strongly that concessions be given to health institutions.

“These humongous tariffs will eventually be passed on to our poor patients, thereby driving them further away from access to appropriate healthcare services.”

The Star