The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has started talks with the Federal Government over doctors’ pay and working conditions.
The NMA says the discussions are going well and that the planned strike may not happen after all.
Earlier this month, the NMA gave the government a 21-day deadline to withdraw a circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.
The circular introduced new allowances for doctors and dentists in federal hospitals, but the NMA said it was not part of any agreement they had with the government.
They said the circular could reduce doctors’ earnings and welfare.
According to the President of the NMA, Prof. Bala Audu, the government has shown commitment to solving the problems.
“We started discussions on Tuesday and continued on Wednesday,” Prof. Audu said. “So far, the talks have been fruitful. If things continue like this, it is unlikely that there will be a strike.”
Prof. Audu explained that the NMA raised both old and new issues. Some had already been agreed upon in the past, while others are new demands that need fresh talks.
“All we want is for the government to respect the agreements already made with us,” he said. “We’re happy that the government is ready to sit with us and look at those agreements again. We will work together to apply them properly during this review.”
He added that one of their major concerns , the Medical Residency Training Fund, is already being addressed.
“A large part of the 2025 residency training fund has been paid,” he said. “If this good progress continues and we reach a solid conclusion, we don’t see any need for a strike. We are making progress on all sides.”
The Nation also learnt that the government officials involved in the talks include representatives from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, the Salaries and Wages Commission, and the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.
The NMA had earlier warned that if the circular is not withdrawn and other demands are not met by July 23, doctors in federal hospitals may go on strike.
But with ongoing discussions and some progress already made, there is hope that the strike may be called off.