FG blames state governments for resident doctors’ strike

The Federal Government has disclosed that demands made by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) in their strike are usually the responsibilities of state governments.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, who stated this to newsmen on Thursday, in Abuja, adding that the association was using the anxiety surrounding the third wave of COVID-19 to push its demands.

He added that seven out of the 12 demands presented by NARD were responsibilities of state governments

What the minister said:

“In their notice of July 25, 2021, they mentioned states like Imo, Kaduna, Delta and Lagos. The Federal Government cannot force these states to do anything.

“For the issues surrounding the Federal Government, not all of these issues are for the Ministry of Health, the payment lies within the powers of the Accountant General of the Federation. We are also working with other agencies to sort out some of these issues,” Ehanire said.

The Minister said he hoped the doctors would call off the strike soon and reassess some of the issues they tabled.

“We already have people who have retired coming in to say they want to step in. This is not a good time to go on strike,” he said.

He added that the FG’s position is difficult on the brain drain of doctors, stating that doctors see the salaries there as tempting and most of them do not want to serve in rural areas.

“In Nigeria, we are not the only ones suffering from it. Some other developing countries also suffer it too because they studied in English, they easily get into those countries.

“We are also working to make sure that working conditions in Nigeria are favourable. That is why we are also working on the issues of hazard allowances.

“I understand that states are now issuing bonding, so, once they are trained, they cannot leave the states. We hope the young doctors understand fully,” he added

In case you missed it

Nairametrics reported last week that resident doctors went on an indefinite strike due to demands they say have not been met.