Published On August 30, 2024 In Benue, Nigeria
By Inyima Nicholas Sunday, A Writer | Website: INTERNETISGOOD
The Nigerian Federal Government has threatened to invoke the ‘no work, no pay’ policy against striking resident doctors who have embarked on a seven-day warning strike across the country. The strike action, which commenced on Monday, August 26, 2024, is to pressure the government into rescuing one of their members, Dr Ganiyat Popoola, from her abductors.
Dr Popoola, a medical practitioner at the National Eye Care Kaduna, was kidnapped along with her husband Nurudeen and nephew when bandits raided the staff quarters of the hospital on December 27, 2023. Though Nurudeen was released in March, the doctor and her nephew have remained with the kidnappers up to this point. Consequently, her colleagues across the country decided to down tools to register their displeasure over the inability of the government to bring her back home.
FG expresses disappointment over strike action
Reacting to the strike, the Federal Government berated the NARD members, describing their action as needless given that the issue that led to them embarking on strike was being addressed. The government also noted that the strike action has crippled activities in public hospitals across the country, stressing that the medical doctors would forfeit the benefits that should have accrued to them during the duration of the strike.
In a statement by Ado Bako, Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Health, on Thursday, August 29, 2024, the government expressed deep disappointment over the decision of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to embark on the strike, disregarding all negotiations and plea attempts by the Federal Government to resolve its concerns and ensure continued industrial harmony.
The Ministry stated that it will not relent in its efforts to guarantee the safety and improve the welfare and working conditions of all healthcare workers, including resident doctors. It noted that significant strides have been made in recent negotiations, and the government has demonstrated good faith by addressing many of the concerns highlighted by NARD.
Ongoing efforts to rescue abducted doctor
The statement further revealed that over the past months, the Ministry, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, have been working tirelessly to ensure the immediate and safe rescue of Dr Ganiyat Popoola. It stated that high-level discussions and coordinated efforts are currently underway, and the government remains confident that these measures will lead to a positive outcome.
The Ministry finds the decision to proceed with this strike action, amid these ongoing discussions, deeply regrettable, as it believes that continued dialogue is the best approach to resolving any outstanding issues. It encouraged all resident doctors to return to the negotiation table so that they can collaboratively find lasting solutions to the challenges facing the healthcare sector.
‘No work, no pay’ policy to be invoked
Given 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 the medical professionals but to ensure that essential healthcare services are not unduly disrupted to the detriment of the public.
The Ministry remains open to constructive dialogue and is committed to working together with all stakeholders to achieve a fair and sustainable resolution. It assured that as always, the Ministry remains open to constructive dialogue and is committed to working together with all stakeholders to achieve a fair and sustainable resolution.
Resident doctors vow to continue strike
However, the striking resident doctors have vowed to continue with their strike action despite the threat of the ‘no work, no pay’ policy by the Federal Government. In a statement issued on Friday, August 30, 2024, the President of NARD, Dr Emeka Orji, said the strike will continue until their demands are met.
Dr Orji stated that the welfare and safety of their members remain a top priority, and they will not back down until the government takes concrete steps to address their concerns. He called on the government to prioritize the rescue of their abducted colleague, Dr Popoola, and ensure the safety of all healthcare workers across the country.
The resident doctors also demanded the immediate payment of their outstanding salaries and allowances, as well as the implementation of the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS). They argued that the ‘no work, no pay’ policy will not deter them from pursuing their legitimate demands.
Conclusion
The ongoing strike by resident doctors has brought to the fore the challenges facing the healthcare sector in Nigeria. While the government has threatened to invoke the ‘no work, no pay’ policy, the striking doctors have vowed to continue with their action until their demands are met. It is crucial for both parties to engage in constructive dialogue and find a lasting solution to the crisis to ensure that Nigerians have access to quality healthcare services.
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