FG to develop sectoral guidelines for health sector practitioners

The Federal Government is set to establish a sectorial guideline for the health sector, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, William Alo, disclosed at a stakeholders’ meeting for the development of guidelines for the health sector, in Abuja.

He explained: “A functional health system is akin to productive and functional workforce which is a catalyst for the growth and development of the Nation’s economy.

“The meeting is coming at no better time than now, considering the enormous challenges facing the health sector, which has become inimical to the promotion of industrial relations, peace and harmony in the health sector. It is common knowledge that a healthy nation is a wealthy one and no country can achieve this without a harmonious and peaceful working relationship within its industrial space.”

He, therefore, urged the stakeholders to fully participate in the discussions, as their contributions at the meeting will proffer solutions to rebuild and strengthen the health institutions to achieve the objectives for which they were established by the government.

Earlier in her welcome address, Director, Trade Union Services and Industrial Relations (TUSIR), Mrs. Omoabie Akpan, said the health sector is critical to national development.

“If you are not healthy, you cannot be productive. Since the health sector has been identified as one of the sectors that are prone to industrial crisis, the need for the Ministry to develop guidelines that will enhance sustainable industrial peace and harmony in the sector is paramount,” she said.

It was the consensus of the stakeholders that the initiative of the Ministry of Labour and Employment to develop guidelines for the health sector is the right way to go.

The stakeholders also enjoined all to be steadfast in the process, as the guidelines will help in fostering unity, peace and harmony in the sector.

Participants included the Health Ministry, Employee Industrial Relations (EIR), Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), and representative of Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HOCS).