Tag: NMA

  • We’re not part of NLC nationwide strike action, doctors open to attend to clients – NMA

    We’re not part of NLC nationwide strike action, doctors open to attend to clients – NMA

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Nigeria Medical Association , NMA has distanced itself from the National Labour Congress,NLC, nationwide strike action which commenced on Monday, 3rd, 2024.

    In a press statement issued and signed by the NMA National Secretary General, Dr. Benjamin Egbo, made available to newsmen iñ Abuja today ,the NMA stated that the NMA is not an affiliate of the Organized labour in Nigeria and has not declared a strike action, hence doctors will be at their duty posts to attend to clients who desire to make use of health services.

    However, the NMA has called on the Federal Government and all stakeholders to consider the plight of the average Nigerian and do everything possible to address the issues that have led to the present impasse.

  • Senator Wamakko To Support NMA To Achieve Aims

    Senator Wamakko To Support NMA To Achieve Aims

    By muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto

    Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko has promised to support the Sokoto State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association towards achieving its set targets in proposing free medical outreach.

    Sen. Wamakko, who represents Sokoto Noth Senatorial District stated when he received the leadership of NMA on a courtesy visit.

    The Senator, who is also the Chairman, Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts described the medical profession and indispensable to the less privileged in the society.

    He expressed happiness on the free medical outreach being planned by the medical practitioners in the State.

    He said the exercise is timely as many patients are in dire need of medical attention in the country, hence the need to support medical professionals to undertake their duties diligently.

    The Senator recalled that during his tenure as the Governor of Sokoto State, he ran an open door government which gave him courage to successfuly govern the state.

    He further said that with Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto on the saddle of leadership, he is optimistic that the Governor will work with NMA toward providing more healthcare services in the State.

    He assured them that, the Governor will be ready to work with them so as to achieve their set objectives.

    The Senator commended young Nigerians who ventured into the various medical professions, adding that, he is hopeful that they will live above board.

    The Senator also pledged that he will preside over the launching and flag off of the exercise whenever the appropriate time is slated by the Association.

    Earlier, the Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association Sokoto State chapter, Dr. Umar Mukhtar, intimated the Senator that, they are organizing a medical outreach next week for the people of Sokoto North Senatorial District.

    The chairman said they intended to flag off the programme at Wamakko Local Government Area.

    The statement signed and issued to newsmen in Sokoto by the Special Adviser on media and Publicity to the Senator,Bashar Abubakar quoted Dr. Mukhtar informing the Senator that, about 200 health workers will participate in the exercise.

    He also stated that, they are targeting 6000 patients during the exercise with different ailments, which is expected to last for 2 days.

    The Chairman solicited the support and approval from Sen. Wamakko to flag off the programme.

    He described Senator Wamakko as a leader with listening ears, who always avail himself to the people at all times.

    They thanked the Senator for his usual assistance to the activities of the Association whenever the need arises.

    The chairman was accompanied on the visit by many professional health personnel and members of the Association.

  • NARD Strike: NMA Urges FG To Resolve All Disputes

    NARD Strike: NMA Urges FG To Resolve All Disputes

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) as the umbrella body for the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, has urged the Federal Government to resolve all disagreement between the doctors and the government to avoid the impending strikes and other disputes.

    The NMA President, Dr. Uche Ojinmah in a press release made this call today ahead of the NARD faceoff and nationwide strike slated to commence Wednesday.

    We hereby call on our Government to quickly conclude measures to resolve all areas of disagreement and eschew all punitive responses in the interest of industrial harmony, NMA stated.

    The umbrella body of doctors in Nigeria also appealed to its members to follow the path of peace by extending a gesture of goodwill towards the Government in the interest of suffering patients and fellow citizens.

    ‘Let’s put aside all obstacles (contrived or real) towards speedy resolution of this dispute for the love of the Nation.”

    “It is our belief that this avoidable labour dispute has gone on for far too long to the detriment of the common Nigerian citizen.”

    The association said it has to meddle in the dispute because of its policy to protect and promote the interest of its members.

  • NMA To Work With Incoming Government For Better Health Care System

    NMA To Work With Incoming Government For Better Health Care System

    By Muhammad Ibrahim,Sokoto

    The leadership of the Sokoto State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), has pledged to work with the incoming APC-led administration under Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto towards ensuring a dynamic health system in the State.

    This is contained in a congratulatory letter sent to the APC leader in the State, Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Sarkin Yamman Sokoto by the executive members of the association.

    The letter was jointly signed by the Chairman and Assistant Secretary of the Union, Dr. Umar Mukhtar and Dr. Abdulrahman Ahmad, respectively.

    The leadership of the union further used the medium to congratulate Senator Wamakko, Sokoto State Governor-elect, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto and all the elected APC candidates for emerging victorious during the last elections in the State.

    The Association said a committee of medical elders, think-thank and Chief Executive Officers of heath institutions in the State, as well as key stakeholders had been set up.

    They will x-ray the health sector of Sokoto State with a view to coming up with a road map that will begin to reverse the decay in the health sector.

    The committee will also fashion out a way forward for the sector in the State so as to provide quality health services to the people of the State.

    The leadership of the Association also attributed the successes recorded by APC candidates to the sterling qualities of leadership and unblemished track record of great developmental strides of the former Governor of the State, Sen. Wamakko.

    Responding, Senator Wamakko thanked them for the message and prayed Allah to reward them abundantly.

    He also pledged his readiness to work together with the Association towards the attainment of the set target for the overall development of the state especially on the health sector development.

  • We May Need To Import Doctors In The Future — NMA Raises Alarm

    We May Need To Import Doctors In The Future — NMA Raises Alarm

    The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has said that with the trend of medical doctors leaving the country for greener pastures abroad, there may be a need to hire doctors from foreign countries in the future.

    The NMA also stated that if urgent steps are not taken to fix the deteriorating situation, there will be a total collapse of the health system in the country.

    The Oyo State NMA Chairman, Dr. Ayotunde Fasunla, raised the alarm in Ibadan on Tuesday August 16, at the official opening of the 2022 scientific conference, titled: ‘National Health Authority Act – The Sound Bites’.

    The body also called for a state of emergency in the health sector as Nigerian doctors continue to migrate massively to Europe, America, Middle East and other African countries.

    He noted that the 2022 budgetary allocation to the health sector is approximately 4.2 per cent of the national budget which was significantly below the recommendation of the African Union (AU) at the Abuja Declaration of a minimum of 15 per cent.

    He said: “The infrastructure deficit is such that some of our hospitals spend a significant amount of their internally generated revenues on diesel to ensure power supply.

    “There is scarcity of funds to apply for equipment upgrade, manpower development or even recruitment of new staff.

    “Many of our hospitals are grossly under-staffed. Even the process of replacing migrating staff is bogged down by a rigid and insensitive government bureaucracy.

    “It is our plea to the government to commit more funds to the health sector so that the system does not collapse or Nigeria may begin to import medical doctors.

    “Only healthy people can have the will and strength to contribute to the growth and development of a nation’s
    economy.

    “Therefore, I call on well-meaning Nigerians, philanthropists, and non-governmental organisations to join hands with the government to improve the conditions of the health system in the nation, especially Oyo state. It is obvious that the government cannot handle it alone.”

    Also present at the event was Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr.Taiwo Ladipo, who represented Gov. Seyi Makinde. He noted that the state recruited about 530 medical and health personnel from 2021 to 2022.

  • NMA  FCT Cry over Persistent fuel shortage in Abuja

    NMA FCT Cry over Persistent fuel shortage in Abuja

    … Wants compulsory medical checks for doctors

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju.

    Doctors under the auspices of NMA, FCT have cried out for the Federal Government’s intervention in the continued fuel shortage in Abuja.
    The was contained in a Communique of the 2rd Ordinary General Meeting of the NMA FCT signed by the NMA FCT Chairman Dr. Enema Job Amodu.

    The association expressed it’s displeasure over persistent and perennial shortage of petrol and other petroleum products and it’s attendant hardship on the practice of medicine both in the territory and across the country.
    The doctors therefore called on both the FG and NNPC to intervene by doing something lasting about the persistent, perennial fuel shortage.

    In the Communique the association said, ” This situation has severely affected the practice of medicine, and Health workers are now finding it increasingly difficult to get to their places of work, to discharge their duties including the adverse effect on the health sector.”

    Also the NMA FCT Chapter further lamented the incidences of frequents deaths amongst medical doctors especially younger ones from preventable and avoidable circumstances.

    To ameliorate these frequent deaths the association requested that all health workers working in both federal and FCTA health facilities within the federal capital territory should be subjected to compulsory free annual basic medical checkups as part of their New year programme as it will go a long way to picking up serious ailments early to prevent untimely deaths.
    In the same light , it called for the payment of the proposed new hazard allowance to every medical doctor, health worker irrespective of their points of duties.

    Every health personnel are exposed to the hazards of the profession wherever they are practicing and therefore deserve to be paid accordingly, the Communique said.

  • Gunmen kidnap Medical Doctor on duty in A’Ibom, NMA kicks

    Gunmen kidnap Medical Doctor on duty in A’Ibom, NMA kicks

    A senior medical officer attached to Ikot Ekpaw Cottage hospital in Mkpat Enin Local Council of Akwa Ibom Dr Felix Ekpo have been abducted by people suspected to be unknown gunmen.

    Secretary of Nigeria Medical Association in the state, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John who announced this in a statement in Uyo on Wednesday said the incident happened on Tuesday while Ekpo was on duty in the hospital.

    The association however urged its members to remain calm and alert in their respective duty posts, adding that the leadership is already communicating with the relevant security agencies in the state on the matter.

    While calling on the state government to deploy her security machinery and ensure prompt and unconditional release of the abducted doctor, the association however threatened that it would be forced to suspend its services throughout the state if he is not released within 48hrs.

    According to the statement, “it is with deep anguish that we inform you of the sad kidnap of our dear colleague and hippocratic brother, Dr. Felix Ekpo. Reports from multiple sources indicate that the kidnappers stormed the Hospital premises this morning, abducted and bolted away with our colleague and his car.

    “As an Association we are at a loss why indeed any doctor and especially this particular young doctor would be the target for kidnappers considering that his only possession of worth is his medical knowledge and skills, his unflinching passion to avail healing to the sick and his dedication and love for Nigeria and his immediate environment of Akwa Ibom State- which has made him stay back to medically serve our country inspite of the lure of greener pastures made available by the UK, the USA, Saudi Arabia , UAE, Oman, Kuwait etc.

    “In view of this unfortunate circumstance, we therefore call on all members of the NMA to remain calm and alert in their various places of work as the leadership of NMA Akwa Ibom state has been in constant communication with relevant security agencies.

    ” Furthermore, we call on the Government to make haste to uphold the Constitution especially Chapter 2 section 14 which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of Government.

    “To this end, we humbly request the Government to deploy all of its rich security machinery towards the urgent and critical task of rescuing Dr Ekpo, who is not only a citizen but also an employee of Government, kidnapped in the line of duty, right at his place of duty, as assigned to him by Government.

    “As it stands, the Akwa Ibom Medical Community is in a state of shock and palpable fear. In the next 48hrs, it is our hope that Dr Ekpo does return to us, failing which we may be forced to suspend medical services in the entire state so as to enable us go in search of our dear colleague, Dr Felix Ekpo.” The statement concluded.

  • NMA decries increase in brain drain, seeks government intervention

    NMA decries increase in brain drain, seeks government intervention

    The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has raised alarm over increase in brain drain in Nigeria and called on governments at all levels to address the problem.

    It added that poor welfare and renumeration of members remain the key factors igniting the flught of many medical personnel from Nigeria.

    The National Publicity Secretary of NMA, Dr. Aniekeme Uwah stated this over the weekend during the 2021 Correspondents’ Chapel week with the theme, ”Post Covid 19 Economy, and the challenges to Ethical Journalism Ahead of 2023 Elections.”

    Uwah also emphasized on the need for governments to make proper budgetary provisions to the health sector to avoid unnecessary strike actions and brain drain that hit the sector now.

    “The rate of brain drain in the country is worrisome. I’m afraid what the future holds and the fate of the younger ones. We relate and interact with some of our colleagues who work abroad and we know how much they are paid and how they are being taken care of.

    “So many of our colleagues in Nigeria have moved for green pasture abroad and if this is not tackled, the health sector will be highly affected. The only solution is for government to make adequate budgetary provisions so that doctors and other health workers will be motivated and well renumerated.” He said.

    Earlier in her welcome address, chairman of the Correspondents Chapel, Comrade Idongesit Ashameri said the daily unfolding negative effects of Covid-19 pandemic on the nation’s economy and survival of journalists have posed a great threat to journalism ethics and practice.

    The chairman noted that the goal of the programme was to re-equip members with the capacity to uphold the ethics of the profession amidst economic challenges occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic.

    “The year’s theme is aimed at sharpening our skills and keeping us within ethically acceptable boundaries for better service delivery and to contribute to nation building.” She said.

  • Buhari Appeal to Striking Doctors to Resume Work

    Buhari Appeal to Striking Doctors to Resume Work

    President Muhammadu Buhari has called on the health workers to return to their duty posts, urging others contemplating strikes, to opt for settlement of issues by negotiation, no matter how long it takes.

    The President made the call when he received members of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), at the Presidential Villa Abuja.

    He said that the lives of the citizens that will be lost or damaged when doctors withdraw services, are precious enough and worth opting for peaceful resolution of differences.

    President Buhari assured that, all outstanding benefits owed medical doctors will be cleared, after verifications, noting that embarking on industrial action at a critical health period for the country and citizens, was not a good option.

    President Buhari said the outstanding issue of an Establishment circular issued by the Head of Service, removing House officers, NYSC Doctors from the scheme of service, had an addendum circular from the National Salaries and Wages Commission, to clarify that they will continue to earn the wages attached to them on their present wage structure.

    To further improve the health sector, the President said that budgetary allocations had been increased and a Health Sector Reform Committee, under the Chairmanship of the Vice President, had been commissioned to identify and address weaknesses in the Health System and align with global best practices that will enhance public confidence.

    The President noted that Nigeria’s source of revenue over the years has dwindled, with a rising population.

    The President commended the positive role the Nigeria Medical Association has been playing, as the apex professional medical association in Nigeria, especially with regard to the ongoing industrial action.

    President Buhari added that the course of Covid-19 in Nigeria was not yet entirely clear, and response to it must be collective.

    In his remarks, the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, said that the NMA had been playing a critical role in the development of the health sector, particularly in tackling pandemics, participating in policy formulation and population health.

    In his response the President of the NMA, Prof. Innocent A. Ujah, thanked President Buhari, for the appointment of members into strategic positions in government, assent to the Medical Residency Act and the immunisation coverage.

    Ujah said the association was concerned with the industrial action embarked upon by doctors, and had been doing its best to alleviate the suffering of patients across the country, while appealing for an urgent resolution.

    The NMA president thanked President Buhari, for takeoff grant for the first Federal University of Health Sciences in Otukpo, Benue State, Azare, Bauchi State and Ila Orangun, Osun State and suggested an appropriate funding module for the new institutions.

    The NMA leader assured the President of the continuous support of members of the association, to improve health in the country.

  • STRIKE: FG Rejects 21-Day Ultimatum Issued By NMA

    STRIKE: FG Rejects 21-Day Ultimatum Issued By NMA

    The Ministry of Labour and Employment has rejected the 21-day ultimatum given to the Federal Government by the Nigeria Medical Association saying it is in direct collision with the Memorandum of Understanding signed on August 21.

    The NMA had threatened to join the ongoing strike by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors if the government failed to resolve all the issues contained in the various agreements signed with its affiliate unions.

    But reacting on Sunday evening, to the threat in a statement titled, ‘Labour Ministry to NMA: Your 21-Day Ultimatum in Collision With Our MoU,’ the government argued that the NMA’s position was at variance with the timeline stated in the Memorandum of Agreement.

    This ultimatum was part of the resolutions reached during its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, held in Benin City last week.

    “After due consideration, NEC put the Federal Government on a 21 days’ notice to fully resolve all the issues contained in the various agreements signed with Affiliate members of the Nigerian Medical Association (including MDCAN, MEDSABAMS, and NARD),” the statement jointly signed by its President, Prof Innocent AO Ujah and Secretary, Dr. Philips Uche Ekpe, read.

    According to the doctors, if the Federal Government fails to implement the agreements after the expiration of the 21- day notice, the NMA will summon an emergency delegate meeting.

    NMA’s ultimatum is the latest in the lingering tussle between the Nigerian government and NARD which has gone on strike since July 31.

    Despite a series of meetings between the Federal Government and the striking doctors, no resolution has been reached.

    The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, had in the wake of the disagreements threatened to invoke the “no-work, no pay” rule on NARD.

    But the NMA has thrown its weight behind the striking doctors and other health workers.

    “The Nigerian Medical Association fully supports all her affiliates in their efforts to improve the healthcare delivery in Nigeria and the welfare of her members,” it assured.