The National Secretariat of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA has commended the governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji for the payment of salary arrears and other benefits of its members and health workers in the state.
The medical body gave the commendation in a communique issued at the end of its 63rd Annual General Conference and Delegates’ Meeting (AGC/DM) held in Jalingo,the Taraba State capital Signed by the NMA Dr Uche Rowland Ojinmah the body expressed concern over the alleged layback attitude of some states, particularly, governments of Abia, Imo and Benue States.
It noted that Oyebanji and the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu have shown serious commitment to members” welfare 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 State.
While calling on members in Ekiti to show appreciation to Oyebanji, the NMA also expressed its support for the agitation for better deal in some states, stressing that the on-going industrial action in Abia State by the doctors is justified .
“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 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.
“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.” the Communique read in part.
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.”
