| …………as Association Likely to Join Resident Doctors in Strike Action
Written by: Ubong Sampson – Uyo The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a 21-days ultimatum to the Federal Government of Nigeria to fully resolve the issues contained in the various agreements signed with its affiliate members of the Association. Following the inability of the Federal Government of Nigeria to reach a resolution in its last meeting with the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) towards ending the ongoing strike action by the latter, there are indications that the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) – the apex body of medical and health workers in the country will likely join the strike action if there are no positive efforts on the part of government towards implementing the agreements. In a release signed by the Association’s President and Secretary, Prof. Innocent Ujah and Dr. Phillips Uche Ekpe respectively and made available to NigeriaDelta Search Light through the Akwa Ibom branch Secretary, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel, the NMA noted that failure on the part of the government to effect the demanded resolution as it affects NARD and other affiliate bodies including the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) and the Medical and Dental Specialist Association in Basic Medical Sciences (MeDSABAMS), the Association will consider taking a solidarity stand. “In the event that the FG fails to implement the agreements after the expiration of the 21-days notice, NMA shall Summon an Emergcncy Delegate Meeting to review the progress made on the implementation of the agreements”, the statement read. The statement indicated that in a National Executive Council meeting held in Benin between August 22 to 28, the Association had reviewed various industrial disputes involving the different affiliates of the Association and also considered the various agreements between the NMA, its affiliate bodies and the Federal Government or Nigeria. “After due consideration, NEC put the Federal Government on a 21 days notice to fully resolve the issues contained in the various agreements signed with Affiliate members of the Nigerian Medical Association (including MDCAN, MeDSABAMS and NARD)”, the statement read further. While adding that the NMA is fully in support or all her affiliates in their efforts to improve healthcare delivery in Nigeria and the welfare of her members, the release also stressed that no doctor shall be victimized ror participating or not participating in the strike action by NARD. |
