The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has expressed disappointment over the decision by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors’ (Nard) to embark on a seven-day warning strike, despite pleas by the Federal Government to resolve its concerns and ensure continued industrial harmony.
In a statement by the ministry’s spokesman Ado Bako, the Federal Government evoked the “no work, no pay” policy for the number of days the strike would be observed in line with extant labour laws.
He noted that the measure is not intended to undermine the legitimate concerns of medical professionals but to ensure that essential healthcare services are 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 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.
