The Nigerian Medical Association has threatened to a total shut down of the health care system in the country if the Federal Government does not accede to its 23-point demands by July 1.

 

Reasons for the strike as stated by the Lagos NMA Chairman Dr. Francis Faduyile at a press briefing in Lagos on Sunday, includes, “The position of the Chief Medical Director or Medical Director must continue to be occupied by a medical doctor as contained in the Act establishing tertiary hospitals. This position remains sacrosanct and untouchable. He also mentioned on other federal appointments in the health sector.

 

The body stated that it took the painful decision to save the health care system of the country from imminent collapse.

 

Faduyile, said the NMA was particularly displeased with a new directive of the Federal Government abolishing the post of Deputy Chairman Medical Advisory Committee in teaching hospitals.

 

It also faulted the appointment of directors in hospitals, saying such appointments could distort the chain of command in health institutions and also lead to poor management of patients.

 

Other demands include an increase in doctors hazard allowance from N5,000 to N100,000 from July, skipping of grade level 12 (CONMESS 2) for medical and dental practitioners and the reversal of the title of consultants for other professionals in the health care system apart from doctors.