NMA seeks new salary scale implementation for Abia doctors

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Abia branch, has appealed to Gov. Alex Otti to expedite actions on the implementation of the new salary scale for doctors in the state.

READ ALSO:NMA calls for effective use of healthcare budget

The association requested the approval and commencement of payment of the new full Consolidated Medical Salary Scale (CONMESS) for its members.

This is contained in a communiqué made available to the Newsmen in Umuahia, on Thursday, at the end of its first ordinary General Meeting held virtually at the General Hospital, Ohafia.

The communiqué was jointly signed by its Chairman, Dr Ezinwa Ezuruike, Secretary, Dr Clement Ifenkoronye and Public Relations Officer, Dr Joy Okechukwu.

It observed that doctors working under the employment of Abia State Government were the least paid in the country.

The association stated that the doctors were still on 2009 CONMESS scale as against the 2023 adjusted being in use in most states.

This, it added, widened the remuneration gap between doctors in Abia and colleagues elsewhere.

“The wide gap in revenue has encouraged both local and foreign migration of Abia doctors with its attendant implications to the few doctors left behind.’’

The association appealed that the imbroglio in Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), Aba, as regards the remuneration of its medical lecturers/hospital consultants be resolved swiftly.

It stated that the reason was to avoid commencement of the earlier planned industrial shut down by Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, ABSUTH branch.

The association frowned at the constant harassment of members with private hospitals, stressing that it would no longer be tolerated.

“The consolidated revenue with the Board of Internal Revenue once paid and receipt shown should suffice,” it stated.

The NMA expressed its support for the governor in his expedited desire to develop the state, particularly the health sector, while expressing readiness for collaborations and partnerships.

It further called for adequate empowerment of the Office of the Director of Medical Services, Ministry of Health, to carry out its inspection and monitoring of health facilities in the state.

The group emphasised that the move would stem the menace of medical quackery in the state.

NAN/Wumi