The Federal Government has asked Chief Medical Directors and Medical
Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals to replace resident doctors who
are currently on a warning strike.
This development is coming barely 24 hours after the commencement of
one week warning strike by the National Association of Resident Doctors.
The government’s directive to sack the striking NARD members was
contained in a circular with Ref. No. DHS/828/T/199 dated January 19,
2017 issued by the Director of Health Services in the Federal Ministry
of Health, Dr. Wapada Balami.
The statement added that, “While still looking forward to an amicable
resolution of the germane issues raised, the NMA demands an immediate
withdrawal of the threat as contained in circular no. DHS/828/T/199 of
January 19, 2017 issued by the Director of Health Services of the
Federal Ministry of Health to Chief Medical Directors and Medical
Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals to employ temporary doctors to
replace the members of NARD who are currently on a warning strike action
to press home their unmet demands.”
The statement added that, “While still looking forward to an amicable
resolution of the germane issues raised, the NMA demands an immediate
withdrawal of the threat as contained in circular no. DHS/828/T/199 of
January 19, 2017 issued by the Director of Health Services of the
Federal Ministry of Health to Chief Medical Directors and Medical
Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals to employ temporary doctors to
replace the members of NARD who are currently on a warning strike action
to press home their unmet demands.”
However, the NMA in a statement by its President, Prof. Mike Ogirima
and Secretary-General, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, kicked against the
decision by the FG to sack the doctors who were only fighting for their
right.
Ogitima further urged the FG to “immediately withdraw the circular”
in the interest of industrial peace in the nation’s health sector.
The NMA advised Nigerians to prevail on officials of the Federal
Ministry of Health not to “further jeopardise the health of Nigerians
already burdened with the biting economic recession.”
Daily Post