The chairman Nigeria Medical Association Akwa Ibom Branch, Dr. Aniekan Peter, stated this during the 2024 National Physicians Week in Uyo.
With the theme; Ensuring Universal Applicability in Remuneration: A Panacea to Talent Retention in the Healthcare System.
The chairman said despite the development, government at all levels needs to pay living wages to doctors irrespective of place of work or tier of government to stem the tide of “JAPA” syndrome which is a national security risk.
According to him, they deserve it because physicians have been on the frontlines, fighting the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, Lassa fever, Monkey Pox, and other emerging disease. They have shown incredible strength, resilience, and determination in the face of this global crisis, risking their own health to care for others. Their courage and selflessness serve as an inspiration to all of us, and we owe them our utmost respect and appreciation.
The National President Nigerian Medical Association, Prof Bala Audu said unfortunately, despite the strides we have made, healthcare workers in Nigeria face a host of financial disparities. Pay structures vary widely depending on location, institution, and cadre, creating a fragmented remuneration system that is neither sustainable nor competitive on a global scale. Many doctors and indeed health workers find themselves overworked and underpaid, and the inconsistency in the salaries is evident not only across the country but even within similar healthcare institutions.
He urged all levels of government to ensure the uniform implementation of our salary structure, the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), across all states and healthcare levels. We also call for the prompt payment of all outstanding arrears related to salary upgrades.
Earlier, the governor was represented by the commissioner for health; Dr. Augustine Umoh has commended the doctors for their National Physician’s week and believe their deliberation would bring positive results in the state health sector while make them to understand Akwa Ibom government don’t joke with their workers increase their minimum wage to eighty thousand naira in aggregate to the seventy thousand naira by the federal government. These showcase that the Governor, Pastor Umoh Eno is a workers friendly governor.