The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has frowned at the decision by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to embark on a seven-day warning strike, despite assurances by the Federal Government that its concerns would be addressed
In a statement issued on Thursday, the ministry’s spokesman, Ado Bako, announced that the “no work, no pay” policy had been activated for the number of days the strike would be observed – in line with extant labour laws.
He noted that the measure was not intended to undermine the legitimate concerns of medical professionals but to ensure that essential healthcare services were not unduly disrupted to the detriment of the public.
Resident doctors across Nigeria commenced a seven-day strike on Monday to demand the release of a Kaduna-based doctor, Ganiyat Popoola, who has remained in the custody of her kidnappers – for over eight months.
Bako said the ministry, in collaboration with relevant security agencies has been working to rescue Popoola and that high-level discussions and coordinated efforts were currently underway to that effect
The statement encouraged all resident doctors to return to the negotiation table to fashion out lasting solutions to the challenges facing the healthcare sector.