The National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) has called for the immediate withdrawal of the circular the National Salaries Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC) released on review of allowance of Medical and Dental Officers in the Federal Public Service.

A statement by Dr Alexander Hanacho Woke, National Publicity Secretary of the association, said General Duty Medical Practitioners who carry out the majority of the burdens in the healthcare delivery in Nigeria are left out in the provisions of this circular.

They urged for correction of consequential adjustment in line with the agreements of 2001, 2009, and 2014 CBAs.

The statement reads, “This circular has been viewed by members of NAGGMDP (the largest affiliate of NMA) as not only fall short of expectations, but it is disrespectful, demoralizing, demeaning and inimical to the hardworking medical doctors who have despite all odds remained in the country rendering unlimited selfless services in spite of the numerous discouraging factors pushing them to leave the shores of this country for greener pastures.

“The circular does not only negate the principles of Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed by the Federal Government of Nigeria and Nigerian Medical Association in 2001, 2009, and 2014, but it has an anti-Doctors colouration especially the General Duty Medical Practitioners who carry out the majority of the burdens in the healthcare delivery in Nigeria and are left out in the provisions of this circular.

“This “review of allowance” by this circular is actually a “reviewed hopelessness” which has further pushed the faith of the average Nigerian Doctor to the brink contrary to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT).

“We therefore call on The Federal Government of Nigeria under His Excellency PBAT and the relevant Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and stakeholders to rescind the circular.”

Other demands by NAGGMDP include the immediate correction of the relativity agreed between CONMESS and CONHESS and compliance of relativity in all professional allowances in accordance with the 2001 CBA , particularly regarding call duty allowances and the payment of all accrued backlogs; settlement of outstanding arrears of 25/35% CONMESS, clinical duty and accoutrement allowances owed to medical and dental practitioners; payment of Medical Residency Fund (MRTF) for 2025, and reviewing of the MRTF to reflect prevailing economic realities, among others.

The association said that it is open to discussions for meaningful dialogue, saying it is also ready to stand with NMA to go to any extent to ensure all our demands are reached. (Daily Trust)