The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has temporarily suspended its proposed strike.
This came after series of meetings convened at the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum earlier handed down to the government.
On July 2, the NMA had warned that it may shut down medical services across the country if the Federal Government fails to address its demands before the expiration of its 21-day ultimatum on Wednesday, July 23.
Top government officials met with the leadership of NMA last week in Abuja regarding some of the unresolved grievances.
The meetings included the leadership of NMA alongside the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare; the Ministry of Labour and Employment; the Ministry of Budget and National Planning; the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation; the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation; and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).
During the last meeting, it was learnt that a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the government and the NMA, including a promise to reverse the controversial circular.
When contacted on Monday morning, the National Publicity Secretary of NMA, Dr. Mannir Bature, told our correspondent via telephone that things took a new turn at the NMA’s emergency meeting on Saturday, during the presentation and ratification of the MoU.
He said: “At the delegate meeting, the MoU was presented. The majority rejected it citing that the timelines were not reasonable.
“Some opted for a total shut down of the health sector. There were lots of engagement and contacts from stakeholders, including senior government officials, lobbying to give the government more grace. A lot of new commitment came in respect to expedite action from the government side.
“And that led to more engagement within the structure of the association. At the end of the day it was resolved that the 21 days requested by the government be granted in the interest of Nigerians who will suffer the consequences of the total shutdown. That was agreed. It was presented and voted by delegates.
“It was actually voted by delegates as a notice of strike not extension. Once that day elapses without any headway, there will be no further dialogue—only action. We will proceed to strike.
“The 21 days started from Saturday.”
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