NMA seeks end to salary disparity between doctors in class, hospital

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), has called for an end to disparities in remuneration between Medical Doctors in the hospitals and those in academic services.

The NMA President, Professor Muhammad Bala Audu made the call while addressing the Maiden Annual General Meeting of Ahmadu Bello University branch of NAMDA, where the Kaduna Primary Healthcare Board’s Boss was honoured.

Professor Audu who is equally the Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Health Science, Azare, in his keynote address, on the theme of the AGM “Contemporary Issues in Medical Education: The Role of Career Guidance and Mentorship” highlighted some of the challenges facing medical education in Nigeria.

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He emphasized that the standard of the medical education must not be lowered, adding that, that is the only way to ensure that, graduates of medical schools can compete favourably with their counterparts from anywhere in the world.

Audu added that the reason Nigerian-trained medical doctors are highly sought after, even in advanced nations, is due to the high standard of their training.

He however noted that, one of the contemporary issues was the disparity in remuneration for Medical Doctors practicing in the hospitals and those lecturing in the universities.

“One the contemporary issues we are advocating for is the universal applicability of what is being done for medical doctors who practice within the hospital sector, in the teaching hospitals, should be reflected within the university system.

“Doctors are on a particular salary system that is called CONMESS. Whether or not they practice in the hospital, it should be the same for those who lecture in the universities,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Vice Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Professor Kabir Bala who was represented by Professor Muhammad Shehu described NAMDA as crucial for Nigeria’s healthcare advancement.

Highlight of the event include presentation of award to the Executive Secretary, Kaduna State Primary Healthcare Board, Professor Bello Jamoh for the outstanding achievements recorded by the state government in the Primary Healthcare delivery.

Speaking to newsmen after receiving the Award, Dr. Jamoh assured that the gesture will spur him to strive more for excellence, which will in turn lead to increase in our health indices.

He said the Kaduna State Primary Healthcare Board under the SUSTAIN agenda of Governor Uba Sani will be collaborating with NAMDA to achieve the primary healthcare delivery goals of the government.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE