Around 450 doctors working in state-owned health facilities across Ogun State are planning to initiate an indefinite strike and suspend services from September 1. The doctors, mainly based at the Olabisi Onabanjo Teaching University Hospital, various general hospitals, primary health centers, and within the Ministry of Health and Health Management Board, are taking this action due to alleged non-payment of hazard allowance by the government.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) issued a twenty-one-day ultimatum to the Ogun State Government during their Annual General Meeting held on August 10, 2023. The ultimatum demands the payment of hazard allowance with arrears dating back to January 2023 for doctors in government-owned hospitals.
In a letter dated August 11, 2023, addressed to Governor Dapo Abiodun, the NMA indicated that if the hazard allowance and arrears are not paid in full by the end of the new 21-day ultimatum (which expires on August 31), the doctors will go on strike. The letter emphasized that failure to meet this demand would lead to industrial disruption in the state’s health sector.
Dr. Kunle Ashimi, the chairman of the NMA in Ogun State, confirmed the impending strike. He highlighted that despite promises made by Governor Dapo Abiodun during the election campaign and subsequent engagements, the hazard allowance issue remains unresolved. He noted that while federal institution doctors receive hazard allowance, those in state institutions do not.
The doctors are requesting that the government fulfill its promises and differentiate between hazard allowance and palliative support. The strike, if implemented, would involve doctors in general hospitals, primary health care centers, and teaching hospitals across the state.