The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has rejected a recent circular issued by the National Salary, Income and Salary Commission (NSIWC) on the review of assignments for medical and dental officials in the Federal Public Service.
The medical assignments, according to the president of the NMA, Professor Bala Audu, during a press conference in Abuja, described the circular as “severely inappropriate, misleading and a flagrant violation of the spirit and the letter of the agreements” arrived during the collective bargaining between the NMA and the federal government.
He said: “We want to get this to the attention of Mr. President, the president of his excellence, Ball Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly and the general public who we are under oath to protect and always promote their well -being,” said Professor Audu.
The NMA demanded the immediate retirement of June 27, 2025, circular. They are also asking for the correction of consequent adjustments in line with collective bargaining agreements achieved in 2001, 2009 and 2014.
“In addition, the association is looking for the agreement of all outstanding arrears that are due to doctors and dental professionals.
“In addition, the NMA demands the payment of the Medical Residence Training Fund (MRTF) for 2025 and the call for negotiations of Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for a long time.
Professor Audu revealed that the NMA has been repeatedly involved in the dialogue with the relevant government agencies and the Federal Ministry of Health, which exhibits good will.
“Therefore, we hope that attention is paid to our demands in the next 21 days to avoid interruption in health services provided to the Nigerian people,” he warned.
NMA's demands also include the implementation of scarce skills allocations, specialized assignments and excess charging for doctors, as well as comprehensive health insurance coverage for medical and dental professionals.
These demands aim to improve the welfare and working conditions of health professionals in the country.
The leadership of the association is resolved in its position, emphasizing that the demands are not negotiable and essential for the well -being of medical and dental professionals.
The NMA's action is due to a desire to ensure that health professionals are adequately compensated and motivated to provide quality health services to Nigerians.
If the demands are not met within the specified period, the NMA can be forced to take more measures, which could affect the provision of medical care in the country.