Anambra Doctors Reject Pay Cuts, Threaten Strike

The Anambra State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has rejected a new circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), seeking to review allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service.

A statement released after an emergency general meeting (EGM) held on Tuesday described the circular as unjust and demoralising, thus pledging its support for the 21-day ultimatum issued by the national body of the NMA.

“The circular was unjust, demoralising, and a clear breach of existing agreements, which undermines the value and welfare of medical professionals in the public sector,” the Anambra NMA said.

In its resolution, jointly signed by Chairman, Princeston Okam and Secretary, Ifeanyi Obiaeli, the doctors said the circular disregards previously agreed terms under the Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) of 2001, 2009, 2014, and 2021.

The association noted that the circular distorts salary relativity between medical workers under CONMESS and other health workers under CONHESS.

The Anambra NMA further aligned with the national body’s 18-point demands including the immediate withdrawal of the June circular and correction of consequential salary adjustments as per previous CBAs.

Others include the full payment of backlogs of call duty, clinical duty, accoutrement, and the 25/35 per cent CONMESS allowances and payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).

Among other demands are the implementation of hazard and scarce skills allowances and the reversal of the appointment of non-medical professionals as consultants in hospitals.

The Anambra chapter also raised concerns about the appointment of non-doctors as consultants, warning that it could affect patient safety.

“The congress mandates the state leadership to support all measures that will lead to actualisation of our demands, including but not limited to strike action, if demands are not met at the end of the 21-day ultimatum,” the statement added.

They further urged the national body to press harder on the relativity issue, considering the rigorous academic load medical doctors undergo compared to their counterparts.

Anambra Doctors Reject Pay Cuts, Threaten Strike is first published on The Whistler Newspaper