Due to unresolved pay disparities between federal and state medical workers, doctors in Ogun State have initiated an indefinite strike, News About Nigeria reports.
According to Dr. Azeem Ashimi, the chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), this decision follows a failed three-day warning strike.
During a press conference in Abeokuta, Ashimi announced that the strike commenced on Saturday, August 3, 2024.
He said that the ongoing exodus of doctors from the state was due to the huge wage gap, which the association believes can only be addressed by implementing the reviewed Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
He stated that the association was not able to reach a compromise with the government.
Ashimi said that the reviewed CONMESS needs to be implemented to halt the migration of medical professionals from Ogun State.
“Ogun State is losing a lot of doctors daily because of the pay disparity. If the reviewed CONMESS is paid, it will encourage the doctors to stay,” he noted.
Ashimi said that over the past two years, the association has launched several initiatives to retain medical personnel.
These include facilitating access to land for housing and starting a cooperative society for savings.
However, Ashimi believes that harmonising the pay between state and federal workers is essential for long-term retention.
“We have recorded achievements aimed at helping doctors feel a sense of belonging in the community,” Ashimi said.
“We’ve facilitated access to land for housing, started a cooperative society for savings, and other measures. However, aligning the state workers’ pay with federal workers’ pay would go a long way in encouraging doctors to remain.”
Ashimi said that he is confident in the government’s ability to address the issue and ensure that the strike is short-lived.
