ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Nigeria Medical Association’s Federal Capital Territory (NMA-FCT) chapter, in collaboration with the Nasarawa and Kogi States chapters, have called on the Federal Government to reverse its decision regarding the “No work, No pay” policy for medical workers, citing potential harm to the healthcare sector.
During a press conference held in Abuja on Sunday, in preparation for the 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Scientific Conference of NMA-FCT, Dr. Charles Ugwuanyi, Chairman of NMA-FCT, strongly criticized the proposed move by the Federal Government.
The decision was prompted by the ongoing strike by the National Association of Residents Doctors (NARD).
Dr. Ugwuanyi expressed concern that implementing the plan would exacerbate the existing shortage of healthcare professionals, potentially leading more doctors to leave the country.
He emphasized that NARD’s demands were aimed at supporting dedicated doctors who wish to continue serving the nation.
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With fewer than 25,000 registered practicing doctors in Nigeria, Dr. Ugwuanyi stressed the urgent need for the government to find effective measures to retain medical professionals within the country.
In addition, the NMA-FCT Chairman called upon authorities at various levels to prioritize the safety and well-being of healthcare workers.
The association also extended condolences to the Lagos State Government following the tragic passing of Dr. Vwaere Diaso, a young female doctor, who lost her life due to a mechanical failure in an elevator.
“The reason why most of us are dressed in black is not far fetched, we are in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the NMA Lagos State Branch.
“As you are aware in the last one week, the media space is filled the news of a sad development, a young doctor, a house officer on duty, was trapped in a lift and she collapsed and died.
“We are all in mourning, while we pray for the repose of her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, we want to send a message out there.
“We at the NMA we are indeed not happy with the poor working conditions, which on this occasion has resulted in the death of this young star with a very bright future.
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“We are calling on the relevant authorities, government at different levels managing the different hospitals, to take safety in the working environment seriously.
“We enjoin all our members across the country, to take this message to the different levels of government,” he stressed.
Also, Dr Peter Attah, Chairman, Committee of State Chairmen of NMA, frowned at the proposed no work no pay, saying such an approach would not yield any fruit, but would rather crumble the healthcare service delivery.
Attah, who is also the Chairman of Nasarawa State chapter of the NMA, called for dialogue between government and the association, in the interest of the health sector.
“We are disappointed by the approach and the direction the FG is actually taking on the matter, NARD’s demands are germane, we urge the government to reconsider its decision and and dialogue.
“The 36 states Chairmen and FCT are fully giving our backing and support to the NARD struggle, and we will continue to remain with them because they are our members, and we will not allow any of our members to be victimised,” he said.