By Independent
The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Kogi State
chapter has warned the state government to take proactive measures to redeem
the health sector from total collapse to avert impending workers’ unrest.
Dr Tijani Godwin Atayi, the state Chairman of NMA,
gave the warning while speaking with newsmen in Lokoja, recently.
It would be recalled that NMA after its emergency
congress in June 22, 2017, suspended her industrial action for three months and
promised to reconvene in September to reappraise the suspended strike and
resume if their demands are not met.
According to the NMA chairman, “the three months
ultimatum will expire in September, but up till now, nobody has called NMA for
a meeting.
“All efforts to meet with Commissioner for health
proved abortive. No concrete information from government on revised CONMESS,
promotion and annual stepping.
“About eight of our members are still on the
uncleared list and have not being paid salary for several months. Underpayment
still persists, despite several reassurances from government.
“How long do we wait for this to be
corrected. Nobody should blame NMA
for any round of strike.”
He noted that NMA has shown understanding with the
government and appealed to them to reciprocate that gesture to avoid any crisis
in the state health sector.
“We are open to dialogue and we will always do
what will project this government in a positive way. We will always support the
government to succeed and improve the health indices of the state, but our
demands should be addressed to reduce the financial burden my members are
passing through,” he advised.
