Resident doctors and other medical practitioners in Plateau State have issued a fresh seven-day ultimatum to the state government, warning of a possible strike over unresolved salary and welfare concerns.
The ultimatum was conveyed through separate communications by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Plateau State Specialist Hospital chapter, and the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners of Nigeria (NAGGMDP), Plateau State chapter.
In a letter addressed to the Head of Service through the Chief Medical Director of the Plateau State Specialist Hospital and dated 20 April 2026, the resident doctors expressed dissatisfaction over the government’s failure to act on their earlier request made in December 2025 for a review of doctors’ remuneration in line with the current national salary structure.
The association noted that the delay has led to an exodus of doctors from the state, thereby worsening the already strained healthcare workforce.
The letter, seen by our correspondent in Jos on Tuesday, was jointly signed by the ARD President, Dr Elizabeth Kassem Azi, and Secretary, Dr Ritbul Jacob.
It read: “The Association Resident Doctors, Plateau State Specialists Hospital first communicated our pressing concerns to you on 21 December, 2025, specifically requesting an urgent review of doctors’ remuneration in the state.
“This was in keeping with the most recent national salary review. We now write to express our extreme disappointment at the lack of meaningful progress towards addressing these concerns.
“This inaction from your end has led to exit of doctors from the state and ultimately Shrinking of an initially strained workforce with growing dissatisfaction among our members.
“Consequently, we regret to state that we can not sustain the industrial harmony beyond the expiration of this seven day ultimatum which will terminate Monday April, 2026. Unless concrete actions with reasonable timelines are met, before this day, we shall be compelled to withdraw our services thereafter. We remain hopeful for a timely resolution.”
Similarly, the NAGGMDP, in its own notice dated 16 April 2026, lamented the non-implementation of the corrected Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and other approved allowances as released by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.
The NAGGMDP letter was addressed to Governor Caleb Mutfwang and signed by its Chairman, Dr Dyelbak Luka Waden, and Secretary, Dr Wala Nantip Lohbut.
It read: “We the members of the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners, Plateau state chapter hereby express our deep concern and dissatisfaction over the continued failure of the Plateau state Government to respond adequately to our repeated appeals and engagement regarding the full implementation of our remuneration.
“Despite several communications and efforts at constructive dialogue, there has been no concrete commitment or action towards addressing our legitimate demands which include full (100%) implementation of the corrected CON MESS salary structure to all our members; full (100%) payment of all entitled allowances to all our members; implementation of CONMESS 7 to all our members.
“These demands are in line with established agreement with NMA and are essential for maintaining equity, professional morale and effective delivery of healthcare services across the state.
“In view of the foregoing, we therefore issue a seven day ultimatum, effective from the date of this notice, within which the Plateau state Government is expected to address these demands.”
Both groups stressed that failure by the government to meet their demands within the stipulated timeframe could lead to industrial action, raising concerns over possible disruption of healthcare services across Plateau State.
As of press time, the Plateau State Government had yet to respond officially to the ultimatum.
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