In a significant move, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has enforced the “No Work, No Pay” policy against the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) following their recent nationwide seven-day warning strike. The strike, which began on Monday, was initiated by NARD to protest the ongoing abduction of one of their members, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola-Olawale, who remains in captivity.
The ministry, in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its spokesperson, Ado Bako, expressed deep disappointment over NARD’s decision to proceed with the strike despite ongoing negotiations and multiple pleas from the federal government. The ministry highlighted that various efforts had been made to address the concerns raised by NARD and to maintain industrial harmony within the healthcare sector.
According to the ministry, the decision to activate the “No Work, No Pay” policy is in strict accordance with extant labor laws, which stipulate that workers who go on strike will not receive payment for the duration of their absence. The ministry stressed that this measure is not an attempt to undermine the legitimate grievances of medical professionals but rather a necessary step to ensure that essential healthcare services remain uninterrupted, protecting the well-being of the general public.
The ministry’s statement also underscored the government’s commitment to improving the welfare and working conditions of healthcare workers, including resident doctors. It acknowledged that significant strides have been made in recent negotiations, with the government addressing many of the issues raised by NARD, including matters related to salaries, working conditions, and safety.
The ongoing situation with Dr. Ganiyat Popoola-Olawale was also addressed in the ministry’s statement. The ministry assured the public and the medical community that it has been working closely with relevant security agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), to ensure her immediate and safe release. High-level discussions and coordinated efforts are currently underway, and the ministry remains confident that these measures will lead to a positive outcome.
In a bid to resolve the ongoing impasse, the ministry has called on all resident doctors to return to the negotiation table. It emphasized that continued dialogue and collaboration between the government and healthcare professionals are the most effective ways to address the challenges facing the healthcare sector and to achieve a fair and sustainable resolution.
The ministry reiterated its openness to constructive dialogue and its commitment to working with all stakeholders to find lasting solutions that will benefit both healthcare workers and the public they serve. It also reaffirmed its determination to ensure that the healthcare sector remains functional and that the well-being of patients is prioritized above all else.
As the situation continues to unfold, the ministry’s actions reflect a delicate balancing act between addressing the legitimate concerns of resident doctors and ensuring that healthcare services are not compromised. The enforcement of the “No Work, No Pay” policy is likely to spark further discussions and may influence the dynamics of future negotiations between the government and medical professionals.
