As the 21-day deadline the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) gave to the government approaches on July 23, the doctors are warning they might shut down medical services all over Nigeria if their demands aren’t met.

Prof Bala Audu, the president of the NMA, told our reporter on Sunday that the doctors are ready to take strong action if the government keeps ignoring their pleas.

He stressed that what the doctors are asking for is very important for saving Nigeria’s healthcare system and ensuring that medical workers are treated fairly.

The NMA first gave the government an ultimatum on July 2. They were protesting a new circular from the government’s Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission. This circular proposed changes to how much medical and dental officers get paid, which the doctors say violates previous agreements.

The doctors are demanding that the government withdraw this circular and fix other issues, or they might go on strike.

Prof Audu explained, “The circular has things that weren’t agreed on and that would hurt the pay and well-being of doctors. We’ve rejected it completely. Any new directives affecting our members should come after proper discussions, not just imposed on us.”

He also shared that the NMA has been trying to talk the government out of taking drastic steps.

“We had a meeting two weeks ago with key government health officials, including the Minister of Health. They listened to us but said we needed another meeting to discuss further,” he said. Unfortunately, that follow-up was delayed because of the recent passing of the former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The next meeting was supposed to include the Salaries Commission, the Ministry of Finance, and health officials, so the doctors hope it will happen soon.

Prof Audu warned that time is running out. If they don’t meet soon after the funeral ceremonies, the doctors might have no choice but to go on strike.

“We’re still waiting to hear from the government, and if there’s no action soon, we may have to shut down health services,” he said.

In Katsina State, the local branch of the NMA also expressed their strong disappointment. They issued a statement condemning the circular and calling for the government to withdraw it immediately and meet all their demands.

They warned that if their grievances aren’t addressed, health services could be disrupted across Nigeria.