FG approves N25,000 allowance for doctors amid strike

In response to the indefinite strike launched by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), the Federal Government has taken a significant step by granting approval for a peculiar allowance of twenty-five thousand naira (N25,000) to be disbursed to medical and dental doctors serving in hospitals, medical centers, and clinics within the federal public service.

Funding for this allowance will be sourced from the overhead budget, as stated in a statement issued by Ekpo Nta, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Salary and Wages Commission.

Salary Increase Review Measures to Address Doctors’ Demands

To address the demands raised by the striking doctors, the government has released several circulars outlining salary increase measures. The Circular on Review of CONMESS (Consolidated Medical Salary Structure) proposes a 25% increase for grades CONMESS one to six (1-6) and a 35% increase for grade CONMESS seven (7). Additionally, the Circular on Review of CONHESS (Consolidated Health Salary Structure) stipulates a 25% increase for grades CONHESS one to fourteen (1-14) and a 35% increase for grade CONHESS fifteen (15). Furthermore, a specific circular for Hazard Allowance has been issued to address the concerns of doctors working outside hospitals.

Government’s Commitment to Improve Healthcare Services

These initiatives demonstrate the government’s commitment to resolving the ongoing crisis and providing better working conditions and remuneration for medical practitioners in the country. The hope is that these measures will contribute to resolving the strike and pave the way for improved healthcare services for all citizens.

Background and Current Situation

Earlier in the week, the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) announced an indefinite strike, citing various demands, including the release of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), a review of the consolidated medical salary structure, and payment of arrears from 2014, 2015, and 2016, among others.

During a meeting with the leadership of NARD, the speaker of the House of Representatives had requested a two-week grace period. Resident doctors are medical doctors in specialized training fields, and their number in the country ranges from 9,000 to 10,000. Nigeria has been experiencing a brain drain in the medical field, with around 50 doctors emigrating from the country every week, according to the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA).