The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has expressed its deep disappointment in the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) for proceeding with a seven-day warning strike, despite ongoing negotiations and appeals from the Federal Government.
In a statement released by Ado Bako, Assistant Director (Information and PR) of the Ministry, emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the welfare and working conditions of healthcare workers, including resident doctors.
The strike action, which began amidst discussions to address the concerns raised by NARD, has been described as ‘deeply regrettable’ by the Ministry.
‘The Ministry will not relent in its efforts to guarantee the safety, improve the welfare, and working conditions of all healthcare workers, including resident doctors. Significant strides have been made in recent negotiations, and the government has demonstrated good faith by addressing many of the concerns highlighted by NARD,’ Bako stated.
The Ministry also highlighte
d the recent measures taken to secure the release of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, who was kidnapped several months ago.
‘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,’ Bako added.
Despite these efforts, the Ministry expressed regret over NARD’s decision to embark on the strike, particularly at a time when critical issues are being addressed.
‘We find the decision to proceed with this strike action, in the midst of these ongoing discussions, deeply regrettable. We believe that continued dialogue is the best approach to resolving any outstanding issues,’ the statement read.
In response to the strike, the Ministry has invoked the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy as stipulated by existing
labor laws. ‘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 labor 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,’ Bako emphasized.
The Ministry urged resident doctors to return to the negotiation table, emphasizing its commitment to finding a fair and sustainable resolution to the ongoing challenges in the healthcare sector.
‘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.
‘The Ministry remains open to constructive dialogue and is committed to working together with all stakeholders to achieve a fair and sustainabl
e resolution,’ he said.
Source: Voice of Nigeria