NMA protest against non-payment of salaries in Osun

•Kano orthopedic health workers vow to down tools

Members of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in Osun State yesterday protested against the non-payment of their salaries. The Chairman of the association, Dr. Tokunbo Olajumoke, said doctors deserved better welfare package from the government.

The aggrieved doctors, who marched to the state House of Assembly with various placards, claimed that the state government owes them 22 months salary arrears.

According to the NMA, it was unconstitutional for government to have introduced the half salary regime, which had further compounded the poor working condition of their members.

In response, the state government appealed to them to be patient, adding that the country’s poor economic situation was responsible for its inability to pay their salaries.

A statement by the media aide to Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon promised that government would meet the doctors’ demand when the state’s financial position improves.

He urged the doctors to be peaceful and law -biding in their agitation. The statement reads: “Nobody can fault the governor’s passion and love for workers, as he is ready to go to any length to compensate them for their sacrifice towards the survival of the administration.”

Meanwhile, health workers at the National Orthopedic Hospital, Kano yesterday staged a peaceful protest against the management’s decision to deduct the days that they spent on strike last year.

The Chairman of the Nurses and Midwives Association, Mr. Adotse Emmanuel, who lamented the workload on its members, condemned the hospital’s decision.