The national Officers Committee (NOC) of the Nigerian Medical Association has published an update to its members nationwide in a bid to chart a way forward. This was contained in a memo signed by its national president Dr.Kayode Obembe

 

On the issue of two Months Arrears of Relativity, The NMA NOC acknowledged being in the know that some institutions are yet to pay the two months arrears of relativity Citing the reasons by the ministry blaming the delay on the mode of payment by IPPIS. The NMA was clearly informed during our negotiation that such delays are expected on commencement of IPPIS and efforts are already on to get members paid as soon as possible. You would recall that it was clearly stated in the agreement that 10months arrears of relativity will be factored into the 2015 budget and the full payment of salaries based on relativity circular will commence on january 1, 2015. 

 

The NMA NOC has also investigated the the new residency training program guideline circular making the rounds and it could not be traced to any arm of government. 

 

On pharmacy issues, the NMA NOC insists that Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria can inspect their Pharmaceutical “Shops” and not HOSPITALS. The HOSPITALS are inspected by the Director of Medical Services in the States and the intrusion of any other body should be vehemently repudiated and any attempt to invade Hospitals should be handled as insurgency, compounded with insubordination.

  

The NMA also insists that the Medical Laboratory council should only inspect their laboratories outside hospital premises. The NOC would want to see well developed laboratories to serve the population, whereby the services can be outsourced from Hospitals Services if the situation arises. They should not however come under the roof of Hospitals. If such happens, the State should be alerted with the Law Enforcement Agencies.

 

On the issue of Interns sacked by Nigerian Military Authority, We received with shock the news about the sack of our members working with the Airforce Military Hospital in Lagos. Following our interaction with the Minister of Defence, we were reliably informed that it was part of their signed agreement that they would not engage on strike, and that their money would be paid fully. The delay was due to the budgeting policy of the Military. The decision was whether those policies could be acceptable to Doctors, of course, not acceptable, the goal is that Doctors must be paid monthly salary, and pre-coding strike into appointment letter is tantamount to depravity of fundamental human rights.

 

The NMA Account Balance As at Tuesday, September 30th, 2014 is on debit.

 

On Lagos Issues, Non payment of 2 months salary following the 55 day industrial action by the Nigerian Medical Association by the Lagos State Government.

After the NEC meeting in Awka Anambra State, NOC met to review the situation after which 2 letters were written to the Lagos state Governor,  Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), one was on the withheld salaries and Casualisation of Doctors under the employment of Lagos state government, copying the President of Nigeria, the Senate President and MDCN. The Senate acted on the letter by sending it to the Senate committee on health to investigate and report back to the Senate with recommendations. Furthermore, a meeting was attended on the 30th September 2014 at the instance of the Lagos State House of Assembly with NMA Lagos and National on one side and 2 Commissioners from Lagos state viz; Commissioner for Health and that of Establishment, Permanent Secretary, etc on the other side. Although we were made to believe at that meeting that, Lagos State Government has already decided not to pay the money, but after the passionate appeal from Lagos State NMA as well as the National body, the House of Assembly Chairman on health who chaired the meeting appealed to the Executive to Please pay for the month of September to start with, and the NMA should immediately meet with Chairman of the Health Services commission who will after the meeting represent the proposal on how to pay the withheld salary to the Lagos state Exco. for reconsideration. The 2nd letter was about seeking audience with His Excellency which we are yet to receive a response. It is pertinent to note that Lagos State is yet to remit strike levy to the NMA National.