By Goodness Anenih
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has dismissed claims that medical doctors benefitted from an upgrade of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), describing the assertion as inaccurate and misleading.
The association said the allegation, attributed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), emerged amid the ongoing nationwide industrial action by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
Addressing journalists in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, the NMA’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Mannir Bature, faulted the claims and warned against misinformation capable of escalating tensions within the health sector.
Dr. Bature explained that there was no upgrade of CONMESS in 2014, contrary to claims by organised labour.
According to him, what took place was a correction of long-standing distortions in the implementation of the salary structure, carried out in line with existing approvals and public service guidelines.
He stressed that the corrective action only restored CONMESS to its rightful position and should not be misrepresented as special treatment for doctors.
The NMA cautioned that portraying the correction as an upgrade risks creating unnecessary inter-professional rivalry at a time when the health system is already under strain.
It also expressed concern over what it described as the adversarial tone of public ultimatums issued by labour unions on the matter.
The association urged the NLC and TUC to exercise restraint and engage relevant institutions for proper verification of sensitive remuneration issues.
The NMA reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and called on the Federal Government to sustain the collective bargaining process as the appropriate platform for resolving industrial disputes in the health sector.