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The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has decided to temporarily halt its planned strike, allowing the government an additional 21 days to resolve the outstanding issues.
This decision followed a series of meetings after a previous 21-day ultimatum given to the government had elapsed.
On July 2, the NMA had previously warned that it might halt medical services nationwide if the Federal Government failed to meet its demands by the end of the ultimatum on Wednesday, July 23.
NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, reiterated that the association was prepared to take necessary actions if required, emphasizing that these demands were crucial for the sustainability of Nigeria’s healthcare system and for the welfare of medical professionals.
The organization expressed its dissatisfaction and criticized the government's circular regarding the adjustment of allowances under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure for medical and dental practitioners in Nigeria.
Additional requests from the NMA include establishing comprehensive health insurance for all medical and dental professionals, the immediate formation of management boards for federal hospitals to enhance governance and operational effectiveness as mandated by the Federal Tertiary Institutions Acts, the issuance of a circular to implement the revised retirement age for medical and dental practitioners, and the establishment of substantial welfare and health support packages for healthcare workers.
They also called for the immediate reversal of appointing other healthcare professionals to consultant positions in hospitals, citing the importance of patient safety and the maintenance of medical care standards. Last week, key government officials met with NMA leaders in Abuja to discuss unresolved issues.
The discussions included representatives from NMA, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).
During the recent meeting, it was reported that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the government and NMA, which included a commitment to retract the controversial circular.
According to the National Publicity Secretary of the NMA, Dr. Mannir Bature, who was reached on Monday morning, a shift occurred at the NMA’s emergency meeting on Saturday when the MoU was presented and subsequently ratified.
He stated, “At the delegate meeting, the MoU was introduced. The majority rejected it, stating that the timelines were unreasonable.
Some members called for a complete shutdown of the health sector. Extensive discussions and outreach by stakeholders, including senior government officials, sought to encourage the government to be given more time.
This led to increased commitments from the government to expedite action. As a result, the association's members decided to grant the requested 21 days in the interest of Nigerians who would face the repercussions of a complete shutdown.
That resolution was accepted and put to a vote by delegates. It was officially voted as a notice of strike, not an extension. Should nothing be achieved by the end of that period, there will be no further discussions—only action will be taken. We will proceed to strike. The 21-day period started on Saturday.”
