The Medical Guild of Lagos State has issued a warning to the government to pay the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) allowance, which is essential for doctors' living wages, or face a potential crisis.
The Medical Guild, representing doctors employed by Lagos State, emphasized that the federal counterparts and doctors in Ekiti, Delta, Ebonyi, Rivers, and Katsina states have already received the updated CONMESS allowance with arrears from July 2023.
Dr. Moruf Abdulsalam, the Chairman of the Medical Guild, noted in a statement on Wednesday that the non-payment has increased the salary disparity between Lagos State doctors and their federal counterparts, worsening the ongoing issue of doctors emigrating to federal positions or leaving the country altogether. He also pointed out the severe economic conditions affecting doctors.
The guild also raised concerns about the demotion of specialist consultants due to incorrect step entry points into public service, leading to income loss, low morale, and reduced interest from prospective specialists in joining the state health service. They called for the employment of Medical Officers at grade level 12/2 and consultants at grade level 15/4, aligning with national best practices. Additionally, they requested the immediate restoration and payment of contributory pension and National Housing Fund (NHF) deductions for resident doctors, as mandated by the Pension Reform Act of 2014. They also demanded the full implementation of the Medical Guild’s September 2023 position paper, which was discussed and agreed upon by the Lagos State government.
Abdulsalam urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to implement these proposed incentives to prevent a significant crisis in the Lagos State health sector. He emphasized that the guild has consistently used advocacy and constructive persuasion to address these issues, but the government has yet to respond.
The guild has indicated that if the government does not act, they will convene an Association’s Congress to decide on their next steps.
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