Following the elimination of petrol subsidies by the Federal Government, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has made a new demand for an upward review of allowances from the state and federal governments.
This was part of the resolution made by the NMA’s National Executive Committee (NEC) at its meeting in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, between August 27 and September 3.
However, the NMA’s National President, Uche Ojinmah, who addressed to journalists on Sunday, praised the Federal Government for the recent increase in the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for its members.
He pointed out that the agreement which was signed on June 1 was finalised on May 25, which preceded the subsidy removal and escalation of inflation and its attendant effects.
Among its demands was for health professionals to sheathe their swords with an assurance that the NMA under the present leadership is keen on a progressive consensus with the Federal Government for a better health sector.
The association also called on the Federal Government to activate emergency preparedness against flooding to safeguard the lives of Nigerians and to bring insecurity to its barest minimal so as to reduce the brain drain in the medical profession.
The demands also included that the NMA in Cross River State sustain the call on the release of one of their colleagues, Professor Ekanem Ephraim, who was kidnapped over a month ago.
The NMA president, while addressing the executive committee, commended Nigerian doctors for their doggedness and perseverance in the face of the numerous situations facing the medical profession at present.
He called on the NMA members to continue to sue for peace and unity while praying for better working conditions.
The event was also attended by Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who was the special guest of honour at the event.
Expressing gratitude to the body for choosing the state as the destination for their meeting, the governor X-rayed some of his achievements in the health sector in the state and his plans ahead.