Scores of doctors working in different health facility of the Osun State Government had on Thursday condemned what they termed the norm of half salary payment and unfavourable tax regime by the state government, as they staged a peaceful protest within Osogbo metropolis.

The medical personnel, who were visibly worried lamented the agony of getting paltry 50 per cent of their monthly earnings in the last 24 months, coupled with illegal deductions from the meagre pay through unfavourable tax regime.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in the state, Dr. Jumoke Olatokunbo, while addressing journalists said doctors on the employment of the state government are worried over the general condition of service and state of health facility in Osun.

According to him, the payment of half salaries to his members was becoming a norm, and adversely affecting their economic wellbeing.

He added that the other concerns of the doctors aside inaccurate payment of salaries is over- deductions of doctors’ salaries through obnoxious tax regime.

Olatokunbo also complained of empty health facilities across the state, saying many of the hospitals in the state are operating without drugs and other necessary equipment.

He, therefore, called on the state government to quickly take a step to address these anomalies.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for health, Dr Rafiu Kusamotu in his reaction appealed to the medical personnel to be patient, assuring them of proactive step by his ministry to address those issues raised accordingly.

Kusamotu, while admitting that there is need for proactive intervention in the sector quickly added that government needed little time for the newly constituted cabinet to get its feet firmly on ground.
He said the management and distribution of drug, which was hitherto supervised by the local governments, will henceforth be handled by the state ministry of health for efficient management.