The South-West Caucus of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has warned that its members may embark on strike if the unfavourable allowances introduced for doctors by the Federal Government are not withdrawn.

The caucus, comprising Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Ogun, and Ondo states, made the announcement at a news conference in Osogbo on Tuesday.

The Caucus Chairman, Dr Adeshina Fasanu, said the recent circular issued by the National Salary, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC) concerning doctors’ (increased) allowances is not in tandem with economic reality.

Fasanu, who is also the Osun State NMA Chairman, said the national leadership of NMA had given the Federal Government 21 21-day ultimatum to withdraw the circular.

He added that the Southwest Caucus aligns with the national leadership of the NMA in demanding the immediate correction of any inconsequential adjustments, in line with the 2001, 2009, and 2014 Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).

According to him, “Full payment of 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) and comprehensive review of the fund should reflect current economic realities.”

Also speaking, the Ondo state NMA Chairman, Dr Olumuyiwa Alonge, said the FG did not consult them before announcing the allowances. He also spotlighted the time medical doctors needed to be motivated, as there was a serious shortage of doctors in the country, with a ratio of one doctor to 10,000 patients.

On his part, Dr Ifedayo Oreyemi, the Ekiti State NMA Chairman, said 2,000 doctors leave the country yearly. He also stressed that if doctors’ welfare were not given adequate attention, doctors would continue to leave the country for greener pastures.

Also, Dr Luqman Ogunjimi, the Ogun State NMA Chairman, said the NWIC review on doctors’ allowances would discourage doctors who are already overworked and underpaid from practicing in the Nigerian health sector. Likewise, Dr Happy Adedapo, Oyo State NMA Chairman, who reiterated that the government should be responsive to the plight of doctors, noting that the allowance being introduced was insignificant in light of the country’s rising inflation.

Among the 18 demands of the association is the implementation of the 2021 hazard allowance agreement and the implementation of the revised retirement age for medical and dental practitioners.

It however warned that if the Federal Government fails to address their demands, the caucus would convene an emergency meeting to advise their members appropriately, in concert with the national leadership of the NMA.