Editor
By Fatima Saka
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has expressed profound disappointment regarding the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors’ decision to initiate a seven-day warning strike, disregarding all negotiations and pleas made by the Federal Government to address its concerns and ensure ongoing industrial harmony.
This sentiment was conveyed on Thursday in a press release signed by Ado Bako, Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations.
The Ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety, enhancing the welfare, and improving the working conditions of all healthcare professionals, including resident doctors. Substantial progress has been achieved in recent negotiations, and the government has exhibited good faith by addressing numerous concerns raised by NARD.
The statement highlighted that in the preceding months, the Ministry, in collaboration with pertinent security agencies such as the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), has been diligently working towards the swift and secure rescue of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola. Intensive discussions and coordinated initiatives are currently in progress, and there is confidence that these endeavors will yield positive results.
The Ministry views the decision to proceed with the strike action amidst these ongoing discussions as deeply regrettable. It firmly believes that sustained dialogue is the most effective approach to resolving any outstanding issues.
In light of this, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare wishes to notify the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) that, in accordance with prevailing labor laws, the Federal Government will enforce the “No Work, No Pay” policy for the duration of the strike. This measure is not intended to undermine the legitimate concerns of our medical professionals but to ensure that essential healthcare services are not unjustly disrupted to the detriment of the public.
The Ministry urges all resident doctors to return to the negotiating table so that mutually agreeable and enduring solutions can be found for the challenges facing our healthcare sector. As always, the Ministry remains receptive to constructive dialogue and is dedicated to collaborating with all stakeholders to achieve a just and sustainable resolution.
