NMA Anambra rejects NSIWC’s allowance review

The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Anambra chapter, has rejected the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission’ s (NSIWC) reviewed allowances for medical and dental officers in Nigeria.

This was contained in a resolution reached at the end an emergency general meeting of the Anambra NMA on Tuesday.

The resolution was signed by Dr Princeston Okam and Dr Ifeanyi Obiaeli, Chairman and Secretary respectively.

They expressed 100 per cent solidarity with the national leadership of the body which issued a 21-day ultimatum on Monday, in reaction to NSIWC circular.

According to them, the circular dated June 27, contained the review of allowances for Medical and Dental Officers.

The Anambra NMA said the circular breached relativity and is a clear violation of previously established Collective Bargaining Agreements and disregard for the welfare of members.

“The circular was unjust, demoralising and a clear breach of existing agreements.

‘it undermines the value and welfare of medical professionals in the public sector.

“NMA Anambra rejects in its entirety the circular issued on June 27, by NSIWC on the review of allowances for Medical and Dental Officers.

“We unanimously uphold the 18-point demands by the National Officers’ Committee and key into the 21-day ultimatum to federal government,” it said.

Some of the demands of the NMA were immediate withdrawal of the circular and correction of consequential adjustments in line with the agreements of 2001, 2009, and 2014

“Implementation of scarce skills allowances for medical consultants, approval of specialist allowances for all doctors., approval of excess workload allowances for all doctors”

“We also demand provision of comprehensive health insurance coverage for all medical and dental practitioners.

“Issuance of a circular implementing the reviewed retirement age for medical and dental practitioners.

“Implementation of robust welfare and well-being packages for healthcare workers among other demands, ” it said.

NMA Anambra chapter appreciated members for their commitment to the cause of defending the dignity, nobility and rightful entitlements of doctors.

They urged state leadership to support all measures that would lead to actualisation of the demands.

About The Author

Chioma Ndukwu

See author's posts