Doctors in public and private facilities in Abia State have threatened to embark on strike, and shut down the health system over unpaid salaries.
Doctors working in the Health Management Board (HMB) are owed 12 months’ salary arrears, while Resident Doctors in ABSUTH are owed 20 months and other cadre of Doctors in ABSUTH 24 months.
Further to that, the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) issued a 21-day ultimatum to the government to clear the arrears.
The NMA vowed to suspend services in the State if Governor Okezie Ikpeazu fails to pay the doctors within the period.
The doctors released to the press a copy of their letter to the governor on the matter.
In it, the NMA specifically reminded the governor that the of their salaries range from 12 to 24 months in some cases.
“Doctors working in Health Management Board (HMB) are owed 12 months’ salary arrears. Resident Doctors in ABSUTH are owed 20 months and other cadre of Doctors in ABSUTH 24 months,” it said.
NMA Abia State Chairman, Dr Isaiah Abali, and Secretary, Dr Daniel Ekeleme, jointly signed the letter.
“If ABSG fails to clear the said arrears at the expiration of the 21 days, all doctors in Federal, State and Private employ in the State will embark on a total and indefinite strike,” they warned
The NMA, therefore, urged the governor to avoid “a total collapse of the health institution in the State.”
The national leadership of NMA approved the 21-day ultimatum at its August 2022 Executive Meeting in Gombe State, they said.