FG SEEKS TO AVERT DOCTORS’ STRIKE

In a bid to avert another strike by the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), the federal government has convened a conciliatory meeting with all stakeholders to address the issues stipulated by the association.

One of the issues was the inauguration of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria governing board to address disputes among health personnel in the sector.
The reconstitution of the board, approved by the presidency, is to take effect within 21 days.
The health minister Onyebuchi Chukwu disclosed this at a meeting with the minister of labour and productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu.
NMA had issued a 21-day ultimatum to compel government to address challenges affecting health, stalled payment of health workers for months and the absence of a board for the council since 2010.

 The NMA president Dr Osahon Enabulele had  likened the absence of a board to “a country without police CID and justice system,”in the run-up to its ultimatum.
 The meeting also resolved that salaries arrears owed house officers be cash-backed with effect from this month in efforts to correct issues in the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information Systems (IPPIS).