Ondo Govt meets state NMA over salary disparity

Ondo State Government says it is meeting with officials of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Ondo State chapter, over issue of salary disparity between the state and other states.

The state’s Head of Service (HoS), Mr Bayo Philip, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Akure.

Philip stated that the disparity would be addressed as soon as the committee mandated to look into the issue submits its report.

The HoS said his attention had also been drawn to the industrial action undertaken by Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), University of Medical Science Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Ondo.

According to him, the striking doctors received a two-month hazard allowance as agreed, while interns have been paid the whole four-five-month arrears owed them.

He said, “While it is the right of the association to champion the cause for the welfare of its members, it must be stated that the facts of this particular case must not be misrepresented to the public.

“While it is true that Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa inherited both the medical hazard allowance and salary arrears of interns made up of house officers, nurses, pharmacists, etc., the government has not only taken concrete steps in resolving the matter but has also commenced payment of arrears.”

Philip reiterated the government's commitment to the welfare of all categories of workers in the state.

He enjoined workers to resist the temptation of making politics out of any issue that had to do with the public service.