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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Federal Government has expressed commitment to any cause that will herald industrial peace and harmony in the health sector.
This was in response to the recent agitations by health workers particularly the members of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) which led to recent disruption in the healthcare services due to industrial action by the resident doctors.
At a press conference in Abuja, on Monday, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, told journalists that the government has been transparent in its engagements with the doctors, and had also taken several steps including release of funds for the offsetting of salary arrears and other entitlements of the doctors to ensure industrial peace in the hospitals.
He said: “We regrets the ongoing strike by members of NARD. However, we are doing everything possible to get them back to work within the shortest possible time. However, despite the strike and in line with commitment to ensure continuity of care, healthcare services are still being provided in our hospitals.
“Besides, the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has expressly directed that we do everything possible and legitimate to ensure that the resident doctors are brought back to their duty posts as soon as possible.
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“Aside our several meetings at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Minister of Labour and Employment has met with the leadership of the NARD. The Minister of State for Finance has also met with them to try and address all the 19-point issues that they raised. And today, I can tell you that most of those issues are being addressed.”
Meanwhile, NARD, in a statement jointly signed by its President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman; and the Secretary General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, on Monday, acknowledged the Ministry’s attempt to reassure the public of its commitment to provide industrial stability in the health sector, the reality on the ground stands in contrast to the optimistic narrative conveyed.
The NARD leaders restated that they have 19 legitimate demands that have been
consistently tabled before the federal government, stressing that these demands are neither new nor unreasonable. “They represent the minimum requirements for a sustainable healthcare system and for restoring dignity to medical practice in Nigeria.”
The NARD leaders, however, stated that they remain committed to genuine dialogue and the restoration of normalcy once verifiable actions (not mere promises) are implemented. “We appeal to Nigerians for understanding and solidarity. This strike is not against the people; it is for the survival of our doctors, patients, and healthcare system.
“We seek a Nigeria where healthcare workers are valued, hospitals function optimally, and patients receive the quality care they deserve. Industrial peace cannot be achieved through press statements but through justice, sincerity, and respect for agreements,” they stated.
