Medical doctors under the payroll of Kogi state government Tuesday pleaded with Governor Yahaya Bello to prioritise the implementation of the Revised 2014 CONMESS as earlier agreed to kickoff in September, 2020.
The state chairman, Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Omakoji Simeon Oyiguh, stated this when members of the association paid a courtesy visit to the Olu of Oworo land, Mallam Mohammed Adoga, Baiyerohi Agbosi II, Tuesday in Lokoja.
Dr. Oyiguh noted that their counterparts in Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja and other neighbouring states have been enjoying these benefits for over six years. He stated that they are yet to negotiate with the government to implement the new minimum wage since the funds accruing to the state has dwindled.
“Doctors in Kogi state were really disappointed when they discovered that the 2014 CONMESS which the government promised to start implementing in September never saw the light of the day.
“The government in power assured us but later dashed the hope of our members. We are optimistic that they won’t fail us in the month of October. The current commissioner for Health, Dr. Saka Haruna Audu, while working in Katsina, enjoined same Revised 2014 CONMESS, and has played his own part for the implementation of the revised 2014 CONMESS in Kogi state, but without result so far.
“It is very important for the Kogi state government to improve on the welfare of doctors as they have continued to lay down their lives for the people. It will be very disastrous if Kogi state witness another mass exodus of doctors,” he stated.
The NMA chairman, while commending the immediate past administration of the association led by Dr. Kabir Zubair for his tremendous achievements in two years hinted that they are in the palace of the paramount ruler to get his blessing and secure partnership for the success of the organisation.
Responding, the Olu of Oworo land, Mallam Mohammed Adoga Baiyerohi Agbosi II, while wishing the new executive a very prospective tenure said his reign in Lokoja has been eventful and fruitful.
The monarch hinted that Lokoja traditional council consists of five district and said medical profession is a noble one that should be given a better welfare package.
He admonished doctors to engage the government with adequate dialogue, greeted with patience and humility in a bid to achieve their welfare package in the state.
