THE Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has evoked the “No Work, No Pay” policy against the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) over its recent warning strike.
NARD had embarked on a nationwide seven-day warning strike on Monday over the continued detention of its abducted member , Dr. Ganiyat Popoola-Olawale.
In a statement Thursday signed by its spokesman, Ado Bako, the ministry expressed deep disappointment over NARD’s decision to embark on the warning strike.
The ministry said the association did so disregarding all negotiations and plea attempts by the federal government to resolve its concerns and ensure continued industrial harmony.
The ministry also said it found the decision to proceed with the strike action, in the midst of the ongoing discussions, deeply regrettable saying it believes that continued dialogue is the best approach to resolving any outstanding issues.
“In view of this, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare wishes to bring to the notice of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), that in line with extant labour laws, the Federal Government will evoke the “No Work, No Pay” for the number of days the strike was observed.
“This measure is not intended to undermine the legitimate concerns of our medical professionals but to ensure that essential healthcare services are not unduly disrupted to the detriment of the public,” the ministry said in the statement.
The statement said the ministry would not relent in its efforts to guarantee the safety, improve the welfare and working conditions of all healthcare workers, including resident doctors.
“Significant strides have been made in recent negotiations, and the government has demonstrated good faith by addressing many of the concerns highlighted by NARD,”it said.
The ministry further said that it had been working tirelessly over the past months, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, to ensure the immediate and safe rescue of Dr Ganiyat Popoola.
While saying that high-level discussions and coordinated efforts are currently underway, it said it remains confident that these measures will lead to a positive outcome.
The federal ministry of health also enjoined all resident doctors to return to the negotiation table so that they could collaboratively find lasting solutions to the challenges facing the healthcare sector.
“As always, the ministry remains open to constructive dialogue and is committed to working together with all stakeholders to achieve a fair and sustainable resolution,” it said.