From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Federal Government has announced that it will evoke the “No Work, No Pay” option for the striking Resident Doctors for the number of days the strike was observed.
This was contained in a statement released in Abuja, on Thursday, by the Ado Bako, Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, on behalf of the Minister.
The statement noted that the measure was not intended to undermine the legitimate concerns of the medical professionals, but to ensure that essential healthcare services are not unduly disrupted to the detriment of the public.
It encouraged all Resident Doctors to return to the negotiation table so that all parties can collaboratively find lasting solutions to the challenges facing the healthcare sector.
It maintained that the Ministry remains open to constructive dialogue, and It’s committed to working together with all stakeholders to achieve a fair and sustainable resolution.
The Ministry also promised that it will not relent in its efforts to guarantee the safety, improve the welfare, and working conditions of all healthcare workers, including Resident Doctors, adding that significant strides have been made in recent negotiations, and the government has demonstrated good faith by addressing many of the concerns highlighted by the Resident Doctors.
“Over the past months, the Ministry, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), have been working tirelessly to ensure the immediate and safe rescue of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola. High-level discussions and coordinated efforts are currently underway, and we remain confident that these measures will lead to a positive outcome.
“So, the Ministry finds the decision to proceed with this strike action, in the midst of these ongoing discussions, deeply regrettable. As we believe that continued dialogue is the best approach to resolving any outstanding issues,” it stated.
Few days ago, Resident Doctors under the umbrella of National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) embarked on nationwide strike over the prolonged captivity of one of its member, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola,.
Dr. Popoola who was a Registrar in the Department of Ophthalmology at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna, was abducted on December 27, 2023, along with her husband and nephew. While her husband was released in March, Popoola and her nephew remain in captivity.
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