By Muhammad Amaan
The Federal Government said it has invoked the ‘no work, no pay’ policy on striking resident doctors in Nigeria.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said this in a statement signed by its Assistant Director on Information and Public Relations, Ado Bako.
The statement noted that the ministry is disappointed over the decision of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors to embark on a seven-day warning strike, disregarding all negotiations and attempts by the Federal Government to resolve its concerns and ensure continued industrial harmony.
Resident doctors across Nigeria commenced a seven-day-strike on Monday to demand the release of a Kaduna-based doctor, Dr Ganiyat Popoola, who has been in kidnappers’ den for over eight months.
On Thursday, Bako said over the past months, the ministry, in collaboration with relevant security agencies has been working to rescue Popoola and high-level discussions and coordinated efforts are currently underway.
The statement encouraged all resident doctors to return to the negotiation table so that we can collaboratively find lasting solutions to the challenges facing our healthcare sector.
“In view of this, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare wishes to bring to the notice of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), that in line with extant labour laws, the Federal Government will evoke the
“No Work, No Pay” for the number of days the strike was observed.
“This measure is not intended to undermine the legitimate concerns of our medical professionals but to ensure that essential healthcare services are not unduly disrupted to the detriment of the public.
“We encourage all resident doctors to return to the negotiation table so that we can collaboratively find lasting solutions to the challenges facing our healthcare sector. As always, the Ministry remains open to constructive dialogue and is committed to working together with all stakeholders to achieve a fair and sustainable resolution,” the ministry stated.
