President Muhammadu Buhari has given conditions under which his administration will meet the demand of the striking doctors across the country.
Recall that the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors had commenced an indefinite strike action in August 2, 2021, to protest governments inability to implement the agreements it entered with the union.
Other grievances of the Association include poor unpaid salaries and hazard allowances of healthcare workers, poor working environment among others.
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Buhari in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu on Friday, said that debts genuinely owed Health workers will be settled once due verification is done.
According to him, the review of a new hazard allowance has not been fully negotiated because of the sharp and deep division within the ranks of the striking doctors.
He said, “This administration has a good track record of paying all debts owed to government workers, pensioners and contractors and we have even revisited debts left by past administrations, once due verification is done. Debts genuinely owed Health workers will be settled.
“I learnt that some of the 12-point demand in the ongoing strike was already addressed. Though the review of a new hazard allowance has not been fully negotiated because of the sharp and deep division within the ranks of the striking doctors.
“Let me speak directly to the striking doctors. Embarking on industrial action at this time when Nigerians need you most is not the best action to take, no matter the grievances.”
He noted that outstanding issue of an establishment circular issued by the Head of Service, removing House officers, NYSC Doctors from the scheme of service had an addendum circular from National Salaries and Wages Commission.
This, according to him would help to clarify that they will continue to earn the wages attached to them on their present wage structure.