Health minister supports hospitals to explore alternatives to striking doctors

In order to ensure that the strike action of medical doctors do not have a huge impact on Nigerians, the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, has ordered that all Federal Government owned hospitals should ensure there is no break in the provisions of healthcare services.

This was as he has directed the medical directors and chief medical directors of the Federal Government owned hospitals to ensure that consultants, Youth Corps doctors as well as doctors on internship are on duty at the hospitals.

Adewole, who stated this in a circular with Ref. No. C. 3132/Vol. V/116, and addressed to all CMDs/MDs of federal tertiary health institutions across the country, assured Nigerians that the Federal Government health facilities will be open and render services to the people while the government continues to dialogue with the resident doctors to return to work.

The circular added that “arrangements are also on to make use of Armed forces, Police and Federal Road Safety Health Facilities.”

The minister, who was optimistic that the problem will be resolved soon also urged “Consultants to work overtime as we continue negotiations with the National Association of Resident Doctors today. No one should die because our colleagues are on strike.”

Meanwhile, the Federal Government said it will this Wednesday meet with the leadership of the striking doctors to end the strike.

Read also: Confusion as 2 NANS factions claim right to protest against ASUU strike

A statement signed by the deputy director, Press in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Samuel Olowookere, disclosed that the leadership of the doctors, the leadership of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) and officials of the Federal Ministry of Health were expected to be part of the meeting at the conference hall of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

“Towards apprehending the strike embarked upon by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), after reaching an agreement with the Federal Government on issues in dispute, the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige, is scheduled to hold a crucial conciliatory meeting with the President and Executive of NARD, President and Executive of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), officials of the Federal Ministry of Health, led by the Minister, Prof. Isaac Adewole and other stakeholders,” the statement read.

 

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