NAMDA Issues Ultimatum to Federal Government Over Salary Disputes
The Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding resolution of long-standing salary and welfare disputes. Failure to address these issues could lead to an indefinite nationwide strike, which could significantly disrupt medical education in federal universities.
This decision comes after more than two years of unsuccessful negotiations regarding remuneration and the implementation of agreements that affect medical academics. Following a meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) in Abuja on Tuesday, NAMDA President Dr Nosa Orhue announced the union’s intention to initiate an indefinite strike if the government does not meet its demands within the specified period.
The Role of Medical Academics
Dr Orhue emphasized that medical academics play a critical role in the healthcare system by combining teaching, research, and patient care, including surgeries and hospital administration. Despite possessing the same qualifications and practising licenses as their counterparts in teaching hospitals, they earn less, according to NAMDA.
The association has reaffirmed its stance that the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) is the only acceptable framework for determining salaries for medical and dental academics. Any attempt to replace CONMESS with the Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure (CONUASS) would trigger industrial action, warned Orhue.
Rejection of Policy Changes
Additionally, NAMDA has rejected the migration of members above 65 years of age from CONMESS to CONUASS, calling this policy a demotion that results in financial losses for affected academics. The association also demanded the implementation of special pension benefits for retired hospital-based academics.
Furthermore, NAMDA opposed the National Universities Commission’s requirement that medical academics obtain PhD qualifications, arguing that it is an unnecessary burden on professionals already engaged in demanding roles.
Acknowledging Government Initiatives
Despite the ongoing dispute, Dr Orhue commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for initiatives aimed at improving university education. He also praised the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, for supporting salary parity for medical academics and communicating this position to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.
Orhue also acknowledged the Federal Government’s preparedness for a possible Ebola outbreak and pledged NAMDA’s support for efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s public health response.
Key Demands of NAMDA
- Salary Framework: NAMDA insists on the use of CONMESS as the sole salary structure for medical and dental academics.
- Pension Benefits: The association demands special pension benefits for retired hospital-based academics.
- PhD Requirement: NAMDA opposes the requirement for medical academics to obtain PhD qualifications.
- Age Migration Policy: The association rejects the migration of members over 65 from CONMESS to CONUASS, citing it as a demotion.
Impact on Medical Education
If the ultimatum is not met, the potential for an indefinite strike could have far-reaching consequences on medical education across Nigeria. With the involvement of medical academics in both teaching and clinical settings, such a disruption could affect the quality of training for future healthcare professionals.
As the 21-day period approaches, all eyes will be on the Federal Government to see whether it will take decisive action to resolve the disputes and avoid further unrest within the academic community.
