FG Approves Payment of Peculiar Allowance for Doctors Amidst Ongoing Strike  

By: Ogunleye Oluwapelumi

The Federal Government has approved the payment of a peculiar allowance of N25,000 for medical and dental doctors in hospitals, medical centres and clinics in the federal public service. This follows the ongoing indefinite strike embarked on by the National Association of Resident Doctors. The allowance is to be paid from the overhead budget.

According to a statement from the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Salary and Wages Commission, Ekpo Nta, the government has also issued circulars on some of the demands of the doctors on strike. These include the circular on Review of CONMESS, which indicates 25% for CONMESS one to six (1-6) and 35% for CONMESS seven (7). Another circular is on Review of CONHESS, which shows 25% for CONMESS one to fourteen (1-14) and 35% for CONHESS fifteen (15). Also included is the circular on Hazard Allowance for Doctors working outside hospitals.

The government’s approval of the peculiar allowance and the circulars on some of the demands of the striking doctors are steps towards addressing the concerns of the doctors. The National Association of Resident Doctors had embarked on an indefinite strike to protest the non-payment of salaries and allowances, as well as the poor working conditions in the country’s health sector.

While the strike has caused disruptions in the health sector, the government’s approval of the allowance and the circulars are expected to help resolve some of the issues raised by the doctors.