The Chairman of the Abia State Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr Isaiah Abali, made the announcement during a news briefing in Umuahia. In a joint communique, the doctors expressed their willingness to extend an olive branch to the current government and find a resolution to the crisis.
They emphasised their expectation that the government would act promptly to fulfil its promise of salary payment. The doctors' strike was initiated on December 8, 2022, in protest against the consistent non-payment of their salaries.
According to the communique, the state government, led by Dr Alex Otti, has made assurances at various forums that all salary arrears owed to doctors in Abia would be settled by December 31.
This promise was also reiterated by the Special Adviser on Health during a meeting with the NMA Abia State Executive. The doctors expressed their hope that the governor would follow through on his commitment.
The Chairman highlighted that the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), Hospitals Management Board (HMB), and Ministry of Health have outstanding salary arrears of 23, 16, and two months, respectively.
He further noted that the previous administration under Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu had not provided a reasonable and satisfactory commitment to addressing the salary payment issue.
The NMA's decision to suspend the strike is aimed at giving the present government an opportunity to resolve the crisis and fulfil its promise of salary payment. The doctors expressed their willingness to return to work, while cautiously granting the governor the benefit of the doubt to deliver on his commitments.
The NMA's action reflects their hope for a positive resolution that will address the longstanding issue of unpaid salaries and allow them to resume providing vital healthcare services to the people of Abia state.