ABUJA, Nigeria – On the orders of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health has activated the “no work no pay” policy against resident doctors on strike under the National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, umbrella.
The directive was issued to the heads of hospitals by Dr. Andrew Noah, the Director of Hospital Services at the Federal Ministry of Health.
The move follows unsuccessful conciliatory meetings between the Federal Ministry of Health, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government stakeholders, the Secretary to the Federation, and the National Assembly to persuade NARD to call off their indefinite strike action.
In the letter, Dr. Noah said:
“I am directed to inform you that the Federal Ministry of Health has instituted the policy of ‘no work no pay’ against the striking Resident Doctors in line with Circular Ref. No.58598/S8.1/1I1/182 dated 22nd June, 2016. I am further directed to request you to maintain an attendance register of all Residents willing to work and furnish the Ministry of such names every month.”
The heads of hospitals have been directed to open and maintain an attendance register for all resident doctors willing to work.
This register will be used to monitor those in compliance and to implement the “no work no pay” policy.
The leadership of the Resident Doctors has responded to the letter, saying they have been expecting it and will reply in due time.
The strike by the resident doctors has brought additional strain to the healthcare system in Nigeria, as the country battles with ongoing health challenges.
Patients and families are affected as hospital services are disrupted, and the tensions between the government and healthcare professionals continue to escalate.
This development marks an escalation in the standoff between the government and the doctors, and it is unclear how this will affect the ongoing negotiations.
Both parties have expressed firm positions, and finding a resolution to satisfy all sides is becoming increasingly challenging.
The situation will continue to be closely monitored as the government, healthcare professionals, and the public grapple with the implications of this protracted labor dispute.
