Doctors vow to cripple Abia health sector over salary arrears

The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Abia State chapter, has said there is no going back on its earlier threat to shut down the health sector, if salary arrears of its members in the government employ are not cleared by December 8.

This was contained in a communique by the NMA after its emergency meeting on Sunday at its Aba zonal office, made available to reporters yesterday.

According to the communique signed by the NMA Chairman, Dr. Abali Isaiah and Secretary, Dr. Daniel Ekeleme, doctors at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital Aba (ABSUTH) are owed arrears of 25 months, while their counterparts at the Health Management Board (HMB) are owed 13 months.

NMA decried the fate of the affected doctors, warning that if by the expiration of the deadline, government failed to meet its demands, health system would be crippled.

It said public and private health facilities will be on lockdown until the backlog of arrears is defrayed.

NMA further said government should be held accountable for the consequences of the impending action.

(Nation)