From Agaju Madugba, Katsina
The Katsina State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has expressed deep dissatisfaction and strongly condemned a recent Federal Government circular concerning the adjustment of allowances under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for medical and dental practitioners in the country.
Describing the circular as misleading and grossly inadequate, the union lamented that it represents a “blatant disregard” for the agreements painstakingly negotiated during the collective bargaining process between the NMA and the Federal Government.
In a statement in Katsina on Sunday, the NMA said that the Federal Government failed to learn from the effects of the “JAPA” syndrome on the nation’s healthcare sector.
The NMA Chairman, Dr Muhammadu Sani Abubakar, and Secretary, Dr Yahya Salisu Sodangi, signed the statement.
The union said, “With the immense brain drain being experienced across the nation and the debilitating effect of work burnout our members are exposed to on a daily basis, the government ought to have improved the welfare, remuneration, and social services that will boost the morale of the remaining doctors who have sacrificed to serve our dear fatherland.
“Instead, the silent and unfulfilled promises made by successive governments have pushed the healthcare sector to the brink. The biting economic crisis and reduction in purchasing power have made the income nothing to show for.
“Our members are dedicated and hardworking, and it is only right for the government to live up to its responsibilities of ensuring a healthier society.
“With the expiration of the 21-day grace period and the upcoming EDM a week from now, we are solidly behind the National Officers Committee (NOC) stance and decisions.
“We hereby expect that attention will be given to our demands as earlier released by the NOC on Tuesday, July 2, 2025.
“We cannot guarantee non-disruption in the health services rendered to the Nigerian people at the expiration of such.”
