*The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare expresses regret over the latest decision of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors to embark on strike amid continued discussions, urging the striking doctors to return to the negotiation table for lasting solutions in the healthcare sector of the economy

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

In regard to their ongoing seven-day warning strike, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has threatened to enforce a 鈥淣o-Work, No-Pay鈥� policy against the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).

Ado Bako, Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations, in a statement via the Ministry鈥檚 verified X account, expressed disappointment over the Resident Doctors鈥� industrial action.

Bako stated that the Ministry鈥檚 action is intended to ensure the continuity of essential healthcare services hospitals and other health institutions while addressing the doctors鈥� legitimate concerns.

绿帽献妻 reports the Nigerian Resident Doctors Monday, August 26, 2024, commenced a seven-day warning strike to protest against the kidnap of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a colleague of theirs, who has been in captivity for about eight months.

The Ministry鈥檚 Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations also noted the government鈥檚 ongoing commitment to improving the safety, welfare, and working conditions of healthcare workers through sincere negotiations, which he stated have already resolved many of NARD鈥檚 issues.

Bako further highlighted collaborative efforts to safely rescue Dr. Popoola, emphasising the importance of maintaining open dialogue in this regard.

The top official of the Ministry stated: 鈥淥ver the past months, the Ministry, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), working tirelessly to ensure the immediate and safe rescue of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola.

鈥淗igh-level discussions and coordinated efforts are currently underway and we remain confident that these measures will lead to a positive outcome.鈥�

The Ministry, Bako stated, expressed regret over NARD鈥檚 decision to embark on strike amidst these discussions, and urged the doctors to return to the negotiation table to find lasting solutions for the healthcare sector.

The Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations added: 鈥淭he Ministry finds the decision to proceed with this strike, amidst these ongoing discussions, deeply regrettable.

鈥淎s we believe that continued dialogue is the best approach to resolving any outstanding issues.鈥�

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