Author: Gist Correspondent

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has refuted claims by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) that medical doctors benefited from an upgrade of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), describing the allegation as misleading and capable of heightening industrial tension in the health sector.

The association said there was no upgrade of CONMESS in 2014, contrary to claims by organised labour, but rather a correction of longstanding distortions in the implementation of the salary structure.

Speaking to journalists in Gusau, Zamfara State capital, on Monday, the National Publicity Secretary of the NMA, Dr. Mannir Bature, responded to the ultimatum issued by the NLC and TUC over the ongoing nationwide strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).

Bature explained that the adjustment carried out in 2014 was aimed at restoring CONMESS to its originally approved position, in line with existing government approvals and public service guidelines.

According to him, correcting an anomaly in salary implementation should not be misconstrued as an upgrade or preferential treatment for doctors.

“The NMA wishes to unequivocally clarify that there was no upgrade of CONMESS whatsoever as falsely claimed. What occurred was a correction of a long-standing error and distortion in the application of the CONMESS framework,” he said.

He stressed that the corrective action merely aligned the salary structure with its approved standard and could not, by any technical or administrative definition, be regarded as an upgrade.

The association warned that portraying the correction as special treatment for doctors was inaccurate and could fuel unnecessary inter-professional conflict at a time when the health sector is facing serious systemic challenges.

The NMA also expressed concern over what it described as the adversarial tone adopted by organised labour through public ultimatums, urging the NLC and TUC to exercise restraint and avoid misinformation on sensitive remuneration issues.

It advised labour unions to engage in careful verification, technical understanding and institutional dialogue rather than public confrontation.

The association further called on the Federal Government to remain committed to the ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) process as the appropriate platform for addressing industrial and welfare issues in the health sector.

In addition, the NMA urged the government to prioritise workforce rationalisation that strengthens frontline clinical services, particularly through the retention and proper incentivisation of doctors and nurses.

It also recommended the structured outsourcing of non-core support services to improve efficiency and healthcare delivery.

The NMA reaffirmed its commitment to constructive dialogue, transparency and inter-professional harmony in the interest of healthcare workers and the Nigerian public.