2014 CONMES: Speed up implementation process, Kogi doctors appeal to government

Medical Doctors in Kogi State have appealed to the State Government to prioritize the implementation of the Revised 2014 CONMESS as earlier agreed to kick-off in September 2020.

Our Kogi State Correspondent reports that the State Chairman, Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, Dr. Omakoji Simeon Oyiguh, made the appeal, Tuesday October 6, when members of the Association paid a Courtesy visit to the Olu of Oworo land, Mallam Mohammed Adoga Baiyerohi Agbosi II in Lokoja.

Dr.  Oyiguh, noted that their counterparts in Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja and other neighbouring states, have been enjoying this benefits for over six years, stressing that they are yet to negotiate with the government to implement the new minimum wage, since the funds accruing to the State is dwindled.

"Doctors in Kogi 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 emphasized.

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 organization. 

According to him, government is a thing of continuity, as he commended the election that brought him to power, adding that he is determined to make NMA more vibrant and visible in the next two years.

He described as very worrisome the continuous closure of FMC Lokoja in its fourth month now, insisting that many residents had been denied accessibility to good health care service since they could not afford the fee of some private hospitals, which is on the higher side in a depressed economy.

He said "We have been calling for the reopening of FMC Lokoja that has been closed for over three months after suspected hoodlums invaded the centre. The people of Kogi State are the one's receiving the effect of this closure. 

"The situation on ground is a big threat to the lives of the people in Kogi State. The State Government and all relevant stakeholders should rise to see that the issues which led to the closure to the hospital are resolved". 

The Chairman, however commended the State House of Assembly in their role towards the reopening of the hospital, adding that there is need for all relevant stakeholders to come together to ensure that the citizens get good health care delivery.

He however reminded the monarch of the forthcoming physician's week which is aimed at addressing salient issues concerning health related issues. 

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, who hinted that  Lokoja traditional council consist of five district, 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.

On the closure of FMC, the paramount ruler maintained that dialogue is never exhausted, adding that it is a continuous process which should be looked upon towards achieving the goals of medical doctors in the state.

He said the people in Nigeria are leaving in a society where there are many deficit stressing that, the situation in FMC has taken a new dimension that needed collective efforts for aggrieved parties to sheath their sword.

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