In response to the ongoing indefinite strike led by the National Association of Resident Doctors, the Federal Government has taken action and approved significant measures to address their demands and concerns.
The most notable development is the approval of a N25,000 peculiar allowance for medical and dental doctors serving in hospitals, medical centers, and clinics within the federal public service. This allowance is to be funded from the overhead budget.
The news was officially announced by Ekpo Nta, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Salary and Wages Commission.
Furthermore, the government has issued several circulars pertaining to the demands put forth by the striking doctors. One of the circulars deals with the review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Scale (CONMESS). Under this review, there will be a twenty-five percent increment for doctors falling under CONMESS one to six (1-6), and a thirty-five percent increase for those classified under CONMESS seven (7).
Additionally, another circular addresses the revision of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS). This circular outlines a twenty-five percent increase for doctors in CONHESS one to fourteen (1-14), and a thirty-five percent raise for those falling under CONHESS fifteen (15).
Moreover, the circular on Hazard Allowance for Doctors working outside hospitals has also been included in the government’s response to the demands of the medical practitioners.
These measures are intended to alleviate the concerns raised by the striking doctors and improve the working conditions and compensation for medical professionals in the federal public service.