The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is expressing disappointment over the decision by the Nigerian Association of Residents 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 inline with extant labor 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.
The statement further encourages all resident doctors to return to the negotiation table to collaboratively find lasting solutions to the challenges facing the healthcare sector.
“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”, the statement read.
Resident doctors initiated the strike on Monday, citing the prolonged kidnapping of a Kaduna based doctor, Ganiyat Popoola, who has been held captive for a over eight months. The doctors are demanding her immediate release.
He further explained that the Ministry, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, has been actively working to secure Popoola’s release, with high-level discussions and coordinated efforts currently underway.
-9News Nigeria.
