ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – In response to the ongoing strike by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, the Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a directive to Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors in Federal Tertiary Hospitals.
The directive mandates the implementation of the ‘no work, no pay’ policy on striking doctors.
The government also requires the hospitals to maintain an attendance register for resident doctors who are willing to work.
The strike, which began on 26 July 2023, follows the expiration of a two-week ultimatum to meet the doctors’ demands, including better work conditions, salary payments, and the implementation of healthcare policies.
The doctors are demanding the implementation of the one-for-one replacement policy for healthcare workers; the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to discontinue the downgrading of the membership certificate issued by the West African Postgraduate Medical and Surgical Colleges; the immediate payment of all salary arrears; the implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure; a new hazard allowance; and the domestication of the Medical Residency Training Act; among others.
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The Federal Government of Nigeria, in the letter, accused the striking of being insensitive.
“The various conciliatory meetings by the Federal Ministry of Health, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment with government stakeholders, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and the National Assembly have proved abortive.
“I am directed to inform you that the Federal Ministry of Health has instituted the policy of ‘No work, No Pay’ against the striking resident doctors in line with circular Ref. No.58598/8.1/II/182 dated June 22, 2016.
“I am further directed to request you to maintain an attendance register for all residents willing to work and furnish the ministry of such name on a monthly basis,” the letter read in part.
Reacting, the Secretary General of NARD, Dr Kelechi Chikezie, said the directive was not unexpected.
“We have seen the letter, and we will meet as leaders of NARD to take a position on that.
“But that policy is not new to us, and we would not say we were not expecting it. However, the position of NARD will meet and take a position on it,” Chikezie said.