Doctors Threaten Strike in Kwara over Poor Conditions of Service

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Members of the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP), Kwara State branch have threatened to embark on strike over the alleged inability of the state government to raise the good conditions of service, especially in the payment of new renumeration to the members of the union.

The union also said it has extended their ultimatum given to the state government on the strike action saying that, “if by November 1, the government fails to implement the new renumeration as demanded by the union, the strike will commence in all the state’s health hospitals and medical centers”.

Speaking with journalists in Ilorin, Chairman of the association, Dr. Saka Ismail Agboola, said NAGGMDP had extended the ultimatum by eight weeks, to lapse on November 1, 2021.

He said, “Earlier, there was a 21-day ultimatum given. The ultimatum expired recently. And a congress was held.

“Arising from the congress, we want to announce to you that the congress has decided to extend our ultimatum by eight weeks to end on November 1, 2021.

“Our decision to extend the ultimatum by eight weeks is borne out of empathy for the general public. We do not want to cause more harm to our people. Also government has shown commitment and serious concern to some of our demands.

“That is why we decided not to put too much burden on our people. That is why we have reconsidered our decision and we are hopeful through the ongoing negotiations that good things are coming out of the deliberations.

“This government has invested so much on health in terms of renovation of dilapidated infrastructure, building of new ones and supply of modern equipment.

“We believe with all these structures, if the drivers of the structures especially are not well remunerated and well motivated, they may be tempted to migrate to other states.

“We feel that when remunerations of the doctors are better packaged, more doctors will be motivated and ready to stay in the state and deliver their services effectively.

“These are some of the challenges we have communicated to the
government after which a-21 day ultimatum was given.

“This is based on the good gesture we have received from the state
government and for the fact that we know that the government does not make unfulfilled promises and we believe that our own case will not be different.

“By November 1, congress will reconvene and deliberations about what must have transpired will be discussed and reviewed. After then our next line of action will be communicated to the public. We are still open to negotiations and other deliberations till then.

“We want to assure the general public that we are committed to rendering our services diligently without bias.”