Nigerian doctors Tuesday kicked against their non-inclusion in the just-concluded negotiations on new minimum wage. The doctors, under the umbrella body of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), argued that their members on the Consolidated Medical Salary Schemes (CONMESS) had made special arrangements for payment of some allowances, which were not considered in the latest negotiations.Faduyile said the only way the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goal could be achieved was through the promotion of effective Primary Health Care (PHC) services across the country. Ngige said the association had no reason to panic as its concerns had been captured in the consequential adjustments.
The minister explained that the exclusion of doctors was because they were not regarded as members of a trade union. He urged the association to partner the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on how to become a registered trade union.
According to him, this will help to strengthen the activities of the NMA. The minister said all reviews and further adjustments, including the CONMESS wage structure, would be addressed by the Presidential Committee on Salaries and Wages.
Source: Pharmatimes
