File: Doctors holding a protest
The Ogun State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association on Friday suspended its 27-day strike, which had paralyzed medical services across state-owned healthcare facilities.
The striking doctors took this decision after an emergency general meeting held between August 27 and August 29, 2024, in Abeokuta.
The doctors said that the suspension of the strike would be for four weeks after which a review of the situation would be done and the next line of action would be decided.
The body said the that temporary cessation of the strike is intended to facilitate a period of peaceful dialogue with the Ogun State government.
Dr. OgunJimi Luqman, Chairman of the Ogun State NMA, addressed a press conference at the association’s state secretariat, highlighting the primary reasons behind the strike and the recent decision to suspend it.
He said the strike had been embarked upon since August 3 in response to the State government’s failure to implement the reviewed Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) wage, which had been in effect for federal medical workers since June 2023.
Dr Luqman explained that the association’s decision to call off the strike was motivated by the hardship faced by the public during the strike period.
He stated, “The congress acknowledges the severe impact on the people of Ogun State due to the disruption in medical services.
“We have opted to suspend the strike for four weeks to allow for meaningful discussions and negotiations with the state government.”
“The emergency general meeting, which first convened on August 27 and reconvened on August 29, assessed the effectiveness of the strike and reviewed members’ compliance.
“The Congress also considered the progress of negotiations with the state government.
“Despite ongoing efforts by the NMA executives, the issue of wage disparity remains unresolved.”
The decision to resume work was announced with a clear timeline: doctors are to return to their duties at 8:00 AM on Monday, September 2, 2024.
He warned that during this four-week suspension, the Ogun State government was urged to address the association’s demands to prevent the resumption of the strike.
He added that the NMA plans to reconvene on September 30, 2024, to evaluate the situation and decide on further actions based on the government’s response.
Dr Luqman reiterated the urgency of the situation, stating, “We hope that the state government will use this opportunity to resolve the issues at hand”.
“Our members are dedicated to serving the public, but they cannot continue to do so under the current circumstances.
“We expect the government to meet our demands and avoid further industrial disharmony.”
The NMA’s communiqué emphasized that the strike was not merely a call for wage adjustments but also a broader advocacy for the welfare of its members.
Luqman criticised the state government’s handling of the issue, noting that there had been multiple meetings and discussions over the past year without significant progress.
“We are committed to dialogue, but the government must also demonstrate sincerity and commitment to resolving these longstanding issues,” he added.
