The Federal Government has committed to settling seven months of outstanding salary arrears owed to medical doctors and healthcare workers before the end of August, in a bid to prevent a nationwide strike in the health sector.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, gave the assurance during a crisis meeting in Abuja with leaders of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU). The meeting was convened following a 21-day ultimatum issued by the NMA over unpaid salaries and unresolved welfare concerns.
Prof. Pate reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving the backlog, stating that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is prioritizing systemic reforms in the health sector. “We recognize the critical role of our healthcare workers and are working diligently to ensure their legitimate demands are met,” he said.
NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, and JOHESU leader, Comrade Kabiru Minjibir, expressed cautious optimism but warned that failure to fulfill the agreement could lead to industrial action. The NANNM, which recently suspended a warning strike, also urged prompt payment to avoid further disruptions.
Stakeholders have called on the government to honor its pledge to maintain industrial harmony and ensure uninterrupted healthcare services nationwide. The Ministry of Health is expected to provide further updates as the payment process progresses.
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