NMA Picks Abia, Imo, Benue as States Owing Doctors Salaries For 26 Months

By Ayodele Oni

The National Secretariat of the Nigerian Medical Association, (NMA) has identified Abia, Imo and Benue as states guilty of not paying doctors salary as and when due.

While Abia is reportedly owing between 16 to 26 months, Benue has a backlog of eight months.

The medical body gave the details in a communique issued at the end of its 63rd Annual General Conference and Delegates’ Meeting (AGC/DM) in Jalingo,Taraba State.

In a communique, signed by the NMA chairman,Dr Uche Rowland Ojinmah the body expressed concern over the attitude of some states, particularly,  governments  of Abia, Imo and Benue States.

The communique states that “The AGC/DM reiterated the fact that the on-going industrial action in Abia State by the doctors is justified and further implored the Governments of Abia, Imo and Benue States, to hasten the process of clearing the unpaid salaries of doctors and other health workers in these States.

“Conversely, the AGC/DM expressed great displeasure and disappointment at the failure of the outgoing Abia State Government to pay the salaries of doctors and other health workers working at Hospital Management Board for sixteen (16) months and Abia State University Teaching Hospital for twenty-six (26) months despite all efforts.

“The AGC/DM considered the action of Abia State Government as unacceptable. The AGC/DM also received a report that Benue State Government owes her doctors eight months’ salary arrears; and the fact that there is no progress in clearing the backlog of salary arrears of doctors and other health workers in Imo State.”

It however commended Ekiti and Ondo states for the payment of salary arrears and other benefits of its  members and health workers.

It noted that Governors Biodun  Oyebanji and the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu have shown serious commitment  to members by improving  the welfare of Doctors in their respective States.

The NMA specifically admonished members to redouble  their efforts for effective healthcare delivery to the people of the  States.

“The AGC/DM directed the NMA State Branches of Ekiti and Ondo to reciprocate the good gesture of their governments by redoubling their effort at effective healthcare delivery to the good people of Ekiti and Ondo states.

“The AGC/DM received report that the Governments of Ondo and Ekiti States have Improved the welfare and also paid salary arrears for doctors and other Health workers In both States.”