The Ogun State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has appealed to the state government to introduce a tax rebate for doctors, lamenting that high tax deductions on their salaries are eroding the benefits of recent pay increases and contributing to the exodus of healthcare professionals.
Chairman of the association, Dr. Luqman Ogunjimi, made the appeal during a press briefing in Abeokuta on Tuesday, ahead of the association’s 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Scientific Conference.
Speaking on the theme, “Leveraging on Technology to Drive Medical Practice in the Era of Dwindling Medical Personnel,” Ogunjimi acknowledged recent improvements in doctors’ welfare but noted that excessive taxation on the newly approved Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) had watered down its intended impact.
“Although the state government has implemented the revised CONMESS and is now paying salaries comparable to other parts of the country, the steep tax deductions have significantly reduced take-home pay,” he said.
He added: “This situation may drive more doctors to seek opportunities elsewhere, worsening the already shrinking medical workforce in state hospitals.”
Ogunjimi commended the government for strides made so far, including the payment of accoutrement allowance, clinical duty allowance for honorary consultants, and medical residency training funds for 2024 and 2025.
He, however, urged the government to emulate other states that have introduced tax rebates as a retention strategy for medical personnel.
“We plead with the government to review the current tax rates applicable to doctors. A tax rebate will not only serve as a retention tool but will also make Ogun State more attractive to medical professionals,” he stated.
The NMA chairman also called for the resolution of issues relating to consequential adjustments on the new minimum wage and inappropriate entry levels into the state civil service.
