FG approves N25, 000 allowances for doctors

In a bid to address the ongoing strike by members of the National Association of Resident Doctors, the Federal Government has implemented several measures. 

One of the significant steps taken is the approval of a peculiar allowance amounting to twenty-five thousand naira (N25,000) for medical and dental doctors in hospitals, medical centers, and clinics within the federal public service.

This crucial development was made public through a statement issued by Ekpo Nta, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Salary and Wages Commission. The allowance will be disbursed from the overhead budget, aimed at supporting medical practitioners amid the strike.

Furthermore, in response to the doctors' demands, the Federal Government has also released circulars addressing some critical issues. One of these circulars focuses on the Review of CONMESS (Consolidated Medical Salary Structure), which outlines a twenty-five percent increase for CONMESS grades one to six (1-6) and a thirty-five percent increase for CONMESS grade seven (7). 

Another significant circular is the Review of CONHESS (Consolidated Health Salary Structure), which includes a twenty-five percent increase for CONHESS grades one to fourteen (1-14) and a thirty-five percent increase for CONHESS grade fifteen (15). Additionally, the government has issued a circular on Hazard Allowance for Doctors working outside hospitals.

The strike by the resident doctors began on Tuesday night, July 25, in pursuit of their demands. Among their key requests are the immediate payment of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), the prompt release of the circular on one-for-one replacement, the settlement of skipping arrears, and an upward review of CONMESS to align with the full salary restoration to the 2014 value of CONMESS.