* Give Dec 8 deadline
The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Abia State chapter, has vowed that there is no going back on its earlier threat to shut down the health sector, if salary arrears owed its members in the government employ are not cleared by December 8.
Their vow was contained in a communique by the NMA after its emergency meeting on Sunday at its Aba zonal office.
According to the communique signed by the NMA Chairman, Dr. Abali Isaiah and Secretary, Dr. Daniel Ekeleme, doctors at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital Aba (ABSUTH) are owed arrears of 25 months, while their counterparts at the Health Management Board (HMB) are owed 13 months.
NMA decried the fate of the affected doctors, warning that at the expiration of the deadline if government fails to meet its demands, they will cripple the entire health system in the State.
It said public and private health facilities will be on lockdown until the backlog of salaries is cleared.
The NMA further warned that the government should be held accountable for the consequences of the impending action.