The Federal Government has directed all Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors in Federal Tertiary Hospitals to go ahead and implement the no-work no-pay policy against the striking medical resident Doctors.
The directive also said the CMDs should deploy an attendance register for all resident doctors to sign in and out of the hospital to serve evidence against those who refuse to come out for duty for further sanction. It was learned that the minister of Health gave the directive through a letter emanated from the Federal Ministry of Health addressed to all CMDs yesterday conveying the message.
The latter dated August 1, 2023 with title, “Re: Incessant strike action by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors: Implementation of ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy of the Federal Government,” was signed by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr Andrew Noah on behalf of the minister.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, has commenced strike on July 26, 2023 demanding some allowances and working conditions from the federal government.
Amongst the demands of NARD, were; the implementation of the one-for-one replacement policy for healthcare workers; the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to discontinue the downgrading of the membership certificate issued by the West African Postgraduate Medical and Surgical Colleges; the immediate payment of all salary arrears; the implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure; a new hazard allowance; and the domestication of the Medical Residency Training Act; among others.
In the letter, the federal government accused the doctors of being insensitive with their demands.
Prior to this time, conciliatory meetings were held by the Federal Ministry of Health, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment with government stakeholders, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and the National Assembly but it have all proved abortive.
As quoted, the letter partly stated, “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.58598/8.1/II/182 dated June 22, 2016.
