The caucus which comprised of: Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Ogun and Ondo States, stated this while addressing a news conference in Osogbo, Osun State on Tuesday.
Dr Adeniyi Fasanu, the Caucus Chairman, stated that the recent circular issued by the National Salary, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC) concerning doctors (increased) allowances, is not in tandem with economic reality.
Fasanu who is also the Osun State NMA Chairman, said the national leadership of NMA has given the Federal Government 21 days ultimatum to withdraw the circular.
He said the southwest caucus aligns with national leadership of the NMA in demanding for: immediate correction of inconsequential adjustment in alignment with the 2001, 2009 and 2014 Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).
"Full payment of 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) and comprehensive review of the fund to reflect current economic realities," he said
Dr Olumuyiwa Alonge, Ondo NMA Chairman, said the FG did not consult them before the announced allowances decision was taken and that it fall short of their expectations.
Alonge said this is the time medical doctors needed to be motivated as there is a serious shortage of doctors in the country, with a ratio of one doctor to 10,000 patients.
Speaking, Dr Ifedayo Oreyemi, Ekiti State NMA Chairman, said 2,000 doctors leave the country yearly, adding that if doctors' welfare is not given adequate attention, doctors will continue to leave the country for greener pasture.
Dr Luqman Ogunjimi, Ogun State NMA Chairman, said the NWIC circular on doctors allowances will discourage doctors, that are already overworked and underpaid, to want to remain and practice in the Nigerian health sector.
Dr Happy Adedapo, Oyo State NMA Chairman, said government need to be responsive to the plight of doctors, saying the allowance being introduced is insignificant against the rising inflation in the country.
The causus, among their 18 demands, also ask for the implementation of the 2021 hazard allowance agreement, and implementation of the revised retirement age for medical and dental practitioners
