PRESS STATEMENT BY THE NIGERIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (NMA) ON 9TH MARCH, 2007 ON THE GRIEVANCES WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ON THE NEWLY RELEASED CONTISS SALARY STRUCTURE

Gentlemen of the Press and all other protocol observed.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has come a long way in the current struggle for improved Healthcare delivery services in Nigeria and justifiably, the Salary Structure for Medical Doctors and other Health Professionals.

The NMA recalls that a 21 day ultimatum was given to government on the 10th of February 2007, to withdraw the CONTISS circular and revert to the Medical Salary Scale (MSS) and the Medical Salary Super Scale (MSSS).

The ultimatum was extended by one week on Saturday 3rd of March 2007, to give government more time for meaningful and constructive dialogue with our negotiating team towards a peaceful resolution of the crisis.

The NMA after reviewing the situation especially considering the suffering of the masses decided to prosecute her grievances through dialogue instead of a strike action. We note with appreciation the approval of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR for the re-introduction of some hitherto consolidated allowances in the CONTISS circular, as special allowances for the medical profession. We are also appreciative of the positive roles played by various stakeholders in the resolution of the crisis.

The NMA notes that most of our immediate concerns have been addressed and the medium and long term issues are before an inter agency technical committee. We are appreciative of the constitution of the inter agency committee that has started addressing most of the issues especially the universal applicability of Medical and Health Salary Structure, Surgeon General, Medical Service Commission and other issues directly or remotely connected with the crisis.

In view of the foregoing, the Nigerian Medical Association wishes to announce the suspension of the work to rule action by the Doctors Nationwide and requests all Doctors to resume normal call duties.

I will like to thank all members of the NMA particularly, the negotiating team for their sacrifice and perseverance in the last 3 weeks or thereabout while the initial negotiation lasted and I wish them strength and wisdom to carry them through the next phase.

We wish to thank members of the press corps for their support and understanding during the period of the crisis. Thank you all for coming and listening, we wish you safe return to your various places of work.

Dr. Dan Gana, mni President

Dr. Is’haq Abdul Secretary-General