Medical doctors in Ogun State, represented by the Nigerian Medical Association, have commenced an indefinite strike due to unresolved pay disparities between federal and state medical workers.
According to The PUNCH, the Chairman of the NMA in Ogun State, Dr. Azeem Kunle Ashimi announced the strike on Tuesday in Abeokuta, stating that it followed an unsuccessful three-day warning strike.
The indefinite strike began on Saturday, August 3, 2024, and focuses on addressing the pay gap between federal and state-employed medical professionals.
“Unfortunately, we were unable to reach a compromise with the government,” Ashimi explained. “The government argues that the issues of minimum wage and related matters are common, but our members believe that the current issues must be addressed.”
Ashimi emphasized that the primary grievance is the non-implementation of the reviewed Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), which doctors believe is essential to stop the exodus of medical professionals from Ogun State.
“Ogun State is losing many doctors daily due to the pay disparity. Implementing the reviewed CONMESS will encourage doctors to stay,” he stressed.
“I attended a meeting on human resources for health, and it’s disheartening to see doctors leaving Nigeria, especially from Ogun State. People are leaving in droves,” Ashimi lamented.
He expressed hope that Ogun State, known as the gateway state, can resolve this issue swiftly. “We believe that if the government can promise to pay the revised salaries through a memorandum of understanding, we can return to work. Verbal promises have often led to doubts, hence the need for a written agreement,” Ashimi concluded.
