The Ondo State Government at the weekend pleaded with members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in the State, to shelve their planned strike.
The government in a statement made available to Precision Online Newspaper through Sina Adeyeye (office of the head of service), noted that the issues raised by the NMA at its last general meeting need to be addressed with time.
It urged the leadership of the medical body to look at the areas the government had intervened over the last few months in the sector, adding that the welfare of workers in the State, is of priority to the Aiyedatiwa administration.
The press statement is reproduced below:
PRESS RELEASE
RE-7 DAY ULTIMATUM BY ONDO STATE NMA
We note with concern, the issues raised by the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, Ondo State branch at its Ordinary General Meeting held on Thursday, 8th February, 2024 and their resolve to embark on a strike action if their demands are not met within seven days.
While we are not unmindful of the situation in the health sector, it is expected that the NMA should not forget to appreciate the sincere gesture of the state government by being one of the first to approve 100% hazard allowance for its health workers and this was confirmed through the circular issued thereafter.
It is also important to note that government has commenced the process of employing 1,000 Health workers to fill critical vacancies created particularly by the ‘Japa’ syndrome with the almost concluded ongoing interview at the Civil Service Commission.
The assertion that the Government has not taken any step to act on the payment of the hazard allowance cannot be true in view of the constant interface we have been having with the NMA chairman, where he has been consistently informed that the issue of special allowances is not only limited to health workers and what we are working on is to tackle them holistically so as not to give a wrong impression to those other categories of workers’ and make them feel they are being treated as inferior.
We have always assured them all that having worked out the huge monthly implications of the allowances in the midst of other competing demands for the welfare of the entire state, genuine effort is ongoing to ensure that this is cleared soonest just as we have done with all outstanding allowances of workers in the state.
Doctors should also appreciate the fact that they have been part of the ₦35,000 wage award as well as other welfare programs currently put in place for workers in the state.
We want to reassure NMA and the general public that the state government under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa will not trivialize the welfare of its workers including those in the health sector.
It will therefore be appreciated if the NMA can give the government the ample opportunity to look into all issues raised. Let’s allow for more dialogue in the interest of the good people of the state. The task of making the state better requires the sacrifices of all.
Sina Adeyeye,
Office of the HOS
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