Doctors suspend strike but warn of action if demands aren’t met in 21 days

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has decided to temporarily suspend its planned nationwide strike, granting the Federal Government an additional 21 days to address their unresolved demands.

This decision followed the expiration of an earlier 21-day ultimatum issued on July 2, in which the NMA had warned of a possible shutdown of medical services across the country if their concerns were not resolved by July 23.

According to NMA President, Professor Bala Audu, the demands are critical for the survival of Nigeria’s healthcare system and the well-being of medical professionals.

The association criticized a government circular on the adjustment of allowances under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure for medical and dental practitioners.

Their demands include the provision of comprehensive health insurance for medical and dental professionals, the immediate establishment of management boards for federal hospitals to improve governance, the implementation of a revised retirement age for doctors, and improved welfare and support packages for healthcare workers.

They also called for the reversal of appointments of non-medical professionals as consultants in hospitals, citing concerns over patient safety and the standard of care.

Meetings were held last week in Abuja between the NMA and senior government officials from the Federal Ministries of Health, Labour, and Budget and National Planning, as well as the Offices of the Accountant General and the Head of the Civil Service, and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.

These talks resulted in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, which included a promise by the government to reverse the disputed circular.

However, Dr. Mannir Bature, NMA’s National Publicity Secretary, stated that during an emergency delegates meeting held on Saturday, the majority rejected the MoU, saying the proposed timelines were unrealistic.

While some members pushed for an immediate strike, appeals from stakeholders and new commitments from the government led to a resolution to grant a final 21-day grace period. Bature emphasized that this is not an extension but a final warning.

If no substantial progress is made within the 21 days, which began on Saturday, July 26, the association will initiate strike action without further negotiations.