Following unresolved concerns about the pay gap between federal and state medical workers, medical professionals in Ogun State, operating under the auspices of the Nigerian Medical Association, went on an indefinite strike.
The State Chairman of the Medical Association, Dr. Azeem Kunle Ashimi, disclosed this at a press briefing held on Tuesday at the association’s secretariat, Abeokuta.
He clarified that the decision to launch an indefinite strike was made following the failure of a three-day warning strike.
Ashimi said that the strike, which began on Saturday, August 3, 2024, is primarily aimed at addressing the pay disparity between federal and state medical workers.
“Unfortunately, we weren’t able to reach a compromise with the government.
“The government continues to plea that the issues of minimum wage and other related matters are common, but my people believe that we need to address the issues on the ground,” Ashimi stated.
“The reviewed CONMESS (Consolidated Medical Salary Structure), which they believe should be implemented to stem the exodus of medical professionals from Ogun State, lies at the heart of the doctors’ grievances,” he continued.
“The pay gap is causing Ogun State to lose a significant number of doctors on a daily basis. If the reviewed CONMESS is paid, it will encourage the doctors to stay,” Ashimi stressed.
In efforts to retain medical personnel, the NMA said it has undertaken various initiatives over the past two years.
He explained, “We have recorded achievements aimed at helping doctors feel a sense of belonging in the community.
“We’ve facilitated access to land for housing, started a cooperative society for savings, and other measures.
But according to Ashimi, “pay parity between state and federal employees would go a long way in encouraging doctors to stay.”
“I was not pleased with the way Nigerian doctors are leaving, particularly from the state where I practice and where I am the NMA Chairman,” the speaker said at a meeting on human resources for health. People are leaving in droves,” Ashimi lamented.
Dr Ashimi stressed that Ogun State, known as the gateway state, can address this issue and ensure the strike is short-lived.
