COVID-19: After meeting with Reps, NMA directs striking members to resume work

Striking members of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) in Abuja have been directed to resume work immediately.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) gave the directive on Friday, saying that it was necessary the doctors returned to work to join hands in efforts to contain the spread of the dreaded coronavirus pandemic.

The body made the announcement following the intervention by the House of Representatives to get the NARD members in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), who recently embarked on strike back to work.

The president of NMA, Dr Francis Faduyile made the directive known to the House of Representatives Committee on Health Services, at a meeting in Abuja.

He said that the national body would continue with the negotiations with the FCTA on behalf of the aggrieved doctors.
Following the intervention of the House Committee, the authorities of FCTA withdrew a circular in which they threatened the doctors to either go back to work within 48 hours or consider themselves sacked.

At the meeting, Faduyile, appreciated the lawmakers for intervening in the matter.

The Chairman of the House Committee, Rep. Tanko Sununu had earlier, at the meeting that had FCTA officials in attendance, said they had resolved to set up a committee of five persons comprising a member of NMA, two members of the NARD, FCT chapter and two FCTA staff to look into the issues relating to the payment of the doctors and report back to the House.

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The meeting also came to a conclusion that FCT Administration should source for funds from alternative sources to pay a flat rate to 36 doctors that were yet to be paid between six to seven months pending when the issue is resolved.

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