CROSS RIVERS KIDNAPED DOCTORS REGAINS FREEDOM, AS KOGI COLLEAGUES RESUME STRIKE OVER WELFARE PACKAGE
The association had expressed dissatisfaction with the rate of doctors kidnapped in the state, noting that five doctors and three of their family members were kidnapped in 2017 by gunmen, stressing that any time a medical doctor is kidnapped in the state; the NMA would embark on an indefinite withdrawal of medical services without notice.
He said that the association will meet on Monday, January 8 to dialogue and suspend the planned action.
In another development, Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, in Kogi on Sunday directed its members to resume strike on Monday over an alleged failure by the state government to meet their demands.
The Chairman of the association, Godwin Tijani noted in Lokoja that the inability of the state government to pay the doctors’ full salaries was unacceptable, adding that all the doctors’ associations and union dues as well as members’ cooperative society contributions were not remitted in full whereas 100 per cent taxes were deducted from their salaries.
“Congress, therefore, resolved that all its members across the state should resume total and indefinite withdrawal of healthcare services from all hospitals in Kogi, with effects from 12:00 midnight on Sunday, Jan 7, 2018.
“We want government to give a definite time line for the full implementation of adjusted CONMESS (new salary structure) for doctors in the state civil service and the accrued arrears since January, 2014’,the association declared.
“Congress will reconvene once the state government responds appropriately to the aforementioned demands,” he said.
The body, however, appreciated the commissioners for Health and Finance and others, who were at the congress to douse tension and ensure peaceful resolution of the matterand also commended their members for their patience and understanding.
