Doctors' Strike: Lagos Okays 75% Pay Rise; Doctors Reject Offer

Source: OUR REPORTER. - thewillnigeria.com
PHOTO: LAGOS STATE GOVERNOR, MR BABATUDE RAJI FASHOLA, SAN.
PHOTO: LAGOS STATE GOVERNOR, MR BABATUDE RAJI FASHOLA, SAN.

LAGOS, Nov 09, (THEWILL) - The striking medical and dental officers under the aegis of Medical Guild today got a 75 percent of the consolidated medical salary structure (CONMESS) from the Lagos State Government after nine weeks.


This was revealed in a statement by the Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions, Mr. Jide Sanwo-Olu, saying Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) had approved a 75 percent rise for the medical officers.


The statement said, the Governor “has directed the implementation of an increase in the salaries and allowances of medical/dental officers in the public service of Lagos State.


“Further thereto, having painstakingly examined the issue, Fashola has directed in line with the newly approved Pay Policy of the state, an implementation of an increase in the salaries and allowances of medical/dental officers in the state public service to an amount equivalent to about 75 per cent of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure in order to prevent further loss of lives and protect the welfare of the citizens of the state.


“The government also agreed to review the dismissal of Dr. Ibrahim Olaifa; the commencement of the deduction of the Guild’s check-off dues through the state Treasury Office and review of the issue of tax deduction in order to comply with relevant Tax Laws of Government,” the statement said.


In view of these actions, government urged the striking doctors to call off their strike.


Recall that the doctors had embarked on indefinite strike for nine weeks due to the failure of the state government to address their plight.


But when THEWILL called its principal officers on Tuesday night, the Medical Guild, an association of medical and dental personnel in the employment of the state, said the 75 percent upward salary review was not acceptable.


The Guild would not accept the 75 percent upward review for the state medical and dental personnel, insisting that the government should implement the consolidated medical salary structure in full because the increase would be lower than what doctors in other states of the federation are currently receiving.