Niger State NMA Threatens Strike Over Colleague’s Abduction in New Bussa

By YM Bina

The Niger State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), have threatened to embarked on strike over the abduction of their colleague, Dr. Tony Eghagagara, who has been in the captivity of his abductees for the past one month is not rescued by the state government.

This is contained in a statement issued in Minna and signed by the Secretary of the Niger State branch of the association, Dr. Aliyu Mohammed Chapa, where he charged the Niger State Government and relevant stakeholders to intensify efforts to secure the release of the said doctor with immediate effect.

The NMA further expressed displeasure over the failure of the state government to implement the new improved CONMESS table for state doctors, despite the gruesome workload and appalling working conditions.

The doctors further demanded the immediate domestication and implementation of the new CONMESS circular for all doctors working with the state government.

They also rejected the planned review of premiums by the Niger State Contributory Health Agency (NiCARE) and commenced processes for the total withdrawal of members from the contributory health scheme.

“SEC calls on all relevant government and security agencies to intensify efforts towards an immediate and unconditional release of our member as failure to achieve this would further diminish the confidence of doctors in the governments’ capacity to guarantee the safety and welfare of healthcare workers in the state”, the statement said.

“SEC has declared a full and complete support for the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) Niger State Branch in all the current lawful measures the affiliate has taken so far including the 7 day ultimatum and the impending total and indefinite strike action”.