The Nigerian minister of health, Dr Osagie Ehanire has urged Resident Doctors to go back to work, especially at this critical time of pandemic.
READ ALSO: Minister urges striking doctors to return to negotiating table
The minister reiterated government’s commitment to protect the lives of its citizens and advised the National Association of Resident Doctors to shelve the strike in the interest of the citizens.
Dr Osagie made the call while addressing journalists in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital on the issue of the industrial action by the National Association of Resident Doctors.
The Minister also said that going on strike was not the best thing to do because it can put the lives of many people at risk and the image of the profession.
He assured Resident Doctors that the government is on its side to help resolve all issues raised by them.
“ I advise young doctors that going on strike is not the best thing to do, it is not the best thing to do at all, not because it can only put the lives of innocent people at risk some money no matter how much but am also worried because as a doctor, I also have concerns about our image before the public, whether the public is beginning to lose respect for our profession or not, we must bear that in mind, this is the third time we are seeing a strike of this nature this year’’ Dr. Ehanire said.
The minister also said that at the time when the country is facing the third wave of COVID-19.
“I want to assure you that we are on your side to help you resolve the issues but striking is not a tool to use at this time of need and I want to advise that you go back to work. We need to correct some of the impression that have been given, there have been some disinformation and misinformation that if not state the fact accurately or completely or in the true colour, so the ministry of health have received the communiqué issued by the national executive council of the Nigeria Association Resident Doctors known as NARD in a letter dated 25th of June and in the served letter the communiqué raised 12 observations and resolutions after due consideration of the demand that NARD made an approval was granted that NARD be engaged in talks with the department of hospitals services that supervises the activities on behave of the federal ministry of health” the minister said.
The minister said that engagement wad ongoing to seek an amicable resolution of issues for a quick resolution of all problems.
“7 out of the 12 issues raised by NARD are for state government while 5 of the issues are for federal government which federal governments are on processes level, so I will like to advise NARD that if they have any issue with state, they should limit the solution to the issue with that state government” he said.
The minister urged all resident doctors to please go back to work so the effort of the government to protect the lives of citizens will not be wasted at this critical time.
