The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, has commenced a total and indefinite strike beginning from today.
Kayode Obembe, the association?s President had announced on Monday at a news conference in Abuja, that the medical practitioners took the decision following the expiration of a two-week ultimatum it gave the Federal Government to meet its 24-point demand.
Mr. Obembe explained that the association opted for a ?total and indefinite strike? at an emergency delegates meeting held on June 28, after negotiations with the federal government failed to yield relevant results.
According to him, the decision to embark on the industrial action was a painful one for the association, considering their importance to the society.
But he noted that it was one that was becoming inevitable with the way they were being treated by the Federal Government.
?The NMA is taking this painful route because our silence and gentle approach to these contending issues have been taken for granted,? he said.
?We have to take this action in order to save the health care delivery system from anarchy that is palpably imminent?.
Mr. Obembe therefore, appealed for understanding, and called on Nigerians to prevail on the government to meet the demands.
Some of the major issues which the doctors presented include; reserving the position of chief medical director to only medical doctors, appointment of Surgeon General of the Federation, passage of National Health Bill and providing security for doctors.
The NMA also wants ?increase in duty, hazard and specialist allowances, as well as budget for residency training programme?.
It called for the reintegration of its members into the IPPIS platform, and reserving the title of consultants to only medical doctors, among others.
Source Global Village Extras
