Lagos Doctors Prepare for Confrontationver Unsettled Allowances
The Medical Guild of Lagos State urges the government to promptly disburse the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) allowance, also known as the living wage for doctors, warning of potential crisis otherwise. Dr. Moruf Abdulsalam, Chairman of the Medical Guild, issued a statement on Wednesday, highlighting that CONMESS had already been implemented for federal doctors, including arrears dating back to July 2023. The Medical Guild represents doctors employed within Lagos State.
The reviewed CONMESS allowance has been implemented for our federal colleagues and in states such as Ekiti, Delta, Ebonyi, Rivers, and Katsina, exacerbating the salary disparity between doctors in Lagos State. This has intensified the migration of doctors to federal jobs and abroad.
Furthermore, he noted that doctors are also feeling the intensified economic strain and stagflation in the country.
The guild also urged for the correction of the erroneous step entry points into the public service, which resulted in the demotion of specialist consultants. They pointed out that this issue has caused financial losses, diminished morale, and reduced interest among potential specialists in joining the state health service.
”We advocate for the employment of Medical Officers at grade level 12/2 and consultants at grade level 15/4, aligning with national standards. Additionally, we demand the prompt restoration and payment of contributory pension/NHF deductions for our resident doctors, as mandated by the Pension Reform Act of 2014. We also call for the complete implementation of the September ’23 Medical Guild position paper, which has been agreed upon by the Lagos State government,” he emphasized.
Abdulsalam urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State to prevent an impending crisis in the health sector and swiftly implement the proposed incentives for healthcare in Lagos State.
“As we approach the unresolved issues with the government, we want to emphasize that we have consistently used advocacy and constructive persuasion to prevent this imminent crisis. Despite our efforts, the government has not shown willingness to address our concerns. In the days ahead, we will convene the Association’s Congress to decide on our next steps,” he concluded.
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