The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has made a new demand for an increase in their allowances from the state and federal governments following the rising cost of living as a result of the removal of fuel subsidies.

This was part of the resolution reached by the National Executive Committee of the NMA at its meeting held in Owerri, the Imo State capital, between August 27 and September 3.

The National President of the NMA, Uche Ojinmah, who spoke to journalists, commended the Federal Government for the recent upward review of its members’ Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

He pointed out that the agreement which was signed on June 1 was finalized on May 25, which came before the subsidy removal and hike in inflation and its attendant effects.

Among the new demands of the NMA is for the Federal Government to activate emergency preparedness against flooding to safeguard the lives of Nigerians and to bring insecurity to its barest minimal so as to reduce the brain drain in the medical profession.

The demands also included that the NMA in Cross River State sustain the call on the release of one of their colleagues, Professor Ekanem Ephraim, who was kidnapped over a month ago.

The NMA president, while addressing the executive committee, commended Nigerian doctors for their doggedness and perseverance in the face of the numerous situations facing the medical profession.