The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has invoked the ‘No work, no pay’ hammer on the striking Nigerian doctors. This is even as the Government expressed disappointment over the decision by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors’, NARD, to embark on a seven-day warning strike.
The FG stated that the doctors embarked on the strike despite pleas to resolve its concerns and ensure continued industrial harmony.
This was contained in a statement by the Health ministry’s spokesman Ado Bako. He said, “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.
Bako, however, stated that the measure is not intended to undermine the legitimate concerns of the medical professionals. But to ensure that essential healthcare services are not unduly disrupted to the detriment of the public.
Recall that resident doctors across Nigeria commenced a 7-Day warning strike on Monday. The doctors under NARD are protesting to demand the release of a Kaduna-based doctor, Ganiyat Popoola.
Popoola has been in kidnappers’ den for over eight months.
Speaking on the development on Thursday, Bako said, the ministry, in collaboration with relevant security agencies has been working to rescue Popoola. He stated that the ministry have held high-level discussions on the plight of the abducted doctor. And that coordinated efforts are currently underway to rescue her.
The spokesman through 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. The Ministry is committed to working together with all stakeholders to achieve a fair and sustainable resolution,” the statement read.
source: Channels TV
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