COVID-19: Lagos govt begs striking doctors, explains alleged ‘disengagements’

The Lagos State government has begged striking doctors to return to work following ongoing negotiation between the two parties, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The appeal was made on Monday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, after a joint meeting between the Commissioners for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi; Establishments, Training and Pensions, Mrs Ajibola Ponnle, and the Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, as well as all the permanent secretaries of the Ministry of Health.

Omotosho said after the meeting that it was worrisome that some members of this noble profession would down tools at a time when their services are mostly required due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Omotoso, “it is pertinent to note that the state government expresses extreme disappointment that the Guild continued with their warning strike despite a series of engagements with government aimed at resolving some of the grievances raised.

READ ALSO: Lagos doctors begin three-day warning strike Monday

“Many issues have already been resolved, while unresolved issues are still being deliberated upon.

“It is worrisome that some members of this noble profession would down tool at a time when their services are mostly required. We believe this action is insensitive and lacks empathy which our profession epitomises.”

Omotoso stated further that Governor Sanwo-Olu has been extremely supportive of health workers being mindful of the extreme sacrifices that healthcare professionals are demonstrating in the COVID-19 response.

“We are currently rotating our health workers who are engaged in providing care at the isolation facilities.

“They are not being dismissed, this is wrong information. Healthcare professionals are returning to their primary posting for the following reasons: to reduce fatigue and burn out among health workers, to build capacity for treatment of COVID-19 across the health work force, to ensure that as many health workers as possible benefit from the additional allowances,” he concluded.

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