The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has set a deadline of January 31, 2024, for the federal government to implement the crucial upward revision of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
Dr. Uche Ojinmah, the president of the association, delivered this ultimatum during the National Executive Council meeting’s closing ceremony in Abuja.
Expressing concern over the potential disruption in the health sector’s industrial harmony, Dr. Ojinmah emphasized that meeting the association’s demands, particularly on welfare, is imperative.
He urged the Federal Government to promptly implement the newly approved accruement allowance, including arrears dating back to June 2022.
While acknowledging the approval of allowances since July 1, 2023, Dr. Ojinmah highlighted the lack of clarity on the timeline for full implementation.
Stressing the sacrifices made by doctors, he appealed to the government to expedite actions in support of the medical community.
The NMA called on the Federal Government to establish mechanisms enabling private hospitals to address emergency cases.
Dr. Ojinmah commended the directive for doctors to attend to medical emergencies in both private and public hospitals.
However, he raised concerns about the financial responsibility for emergency cases in private hospitals, suggesting the need for a Universal Health Coverage mechanism.
Dr. Ojinmah highlighted existing challenges in emergency healthcare, pointing out that the Basic Healthcare Fund, intended to cover the initial 48 to 72 hours of emergencies for all Nigerians, has not been implemented.
He emphasized the necessity of resolving issues related to the financial burden on private practitioners before issuing directives.
Addressing the financial strains on private hospitals, Dr. Ojinmah urged a realistic approach, acknowledging the business nature of private healthcare.
He called for an end to paying lip service to emergency healthcare and advocated for proper implementation of a Universal Health Coverage mechanism.
Dr. Ojinmah assured the readiness of medical doctors to comply with directives, such as treating gunshot injury patients without requiring police reports.
However, he called on the Inspector-General of Police to ensure police officers adhere to the directive and cease unnecessary harassment of doctors involved in emergency cases.
