End Doctors’ Strike Within 21 Days, NMA Tells FG

The Nigerian Medical Association has warned the federal government against implementing the “no work, no pay’ rule on striking doctors.

Recall, THE WHISTLER had reported that the Federal Government in a letter written to Chief Medical Directors and Managing Directors of federal tertiary hospitals, dated August 26, 2021, ordered the implementation of the no-work, no-pay rule on members of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors.

The letter which was signed by the Director of Hospital Services, Federal Ministry of Health, Adebimpe Adebiyi reads in part, “Consequently on the above, I am directed to inform you to commence the implementation of the no-work-no-pay policy on the striking doctors including other workers that may embark on strike consequently.”

However, the NMA at the end of its National Executive Council meeting held in Edo State at the weekend, insisted that no doctor should be victimised for participating in the strike action by NARD.

In a statement signed by the NMA President, Innocent Ujah; and Secretary General, Phillips Ekpe, the association issued a 21-day notice to the Federal Government to resolve all the issues contained in the various agreements signed with the doctors, effective from Monday, August 30.

“After due consideration, NEC has put the federal government on a 21-day notice to fully resolve all the issues contained in the various agreements signed with affiliate members of the Nigerian Medical Association, including MDCAN, MEDSABAMS and NARD.

“NEC affirms that no doctor shall be victimised for participating/not participating in the strike action by NARD,” it said.

The Association pledged full support to all its affiliates in their efforts to improve the healthcare delivery in Nigeria and the welfare of its members.

It said that in the event that the Federal Government fails to implement the agreements after the expiration of the 21- day notice, the NMA will summon an emergency delegate meeting to review the progress made on the implementation of the agreements.

“In the event that the federal government fails to implement the agreements after the expiration of the 21- day notice, NMA shall summon an emergency delegate meeting to review the progress made on the implementation of the agreements,” it said.

This is coming shortly after the Federal Government through the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige disclosed that it has set aside N4.8bn as residency training fund for the striking resident doctors in the country.

ENDS