FG issues ‘No Work, No Pay’ threat to striking doctors

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare wishes to express disappointment over the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) decision to embark on a seven-day warning strike, disregarding all negotiations and plea attempts by the Federal Government to resolve its concerns and ensure continued industrial harmony.

Consequently, the federal government has threatened to evoke the “No Work, No Pay” for the number of days the strike was observed in line with extant labour laws.

In a statement yesterday in Abuja, the Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health, Ado Bako, noted that the measure is not intended to undermine the legitimate concerns of the medical professionals but to ensure that essential healthcare services are not unduly disrupted to the detriment of the public.

Bako stated that significant strides have been made in recent negotiations, and the government has demonstrated good faith by addressing many of the concerns highlighted by NARD.

He recalled that over the past months, the Ministry, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), has been working tirelessly to ensure the immediate and safe rescue of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, adding that high-level discussions and coordinated efforts are currently underway, and the government remains confident that these measures will lead to a positive outcome.

The statement read, “The Ministry finds the decision to proceed with this strike action, in the midst of these ongoing discussions, deeply regrettable. As we believe 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 in line with extant labour laws.

“We encourage all resident doctors to return to the negotiation table so that we can collaboratively find lasting solutions to the challenges facing our 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. The Ministry will not relent in its efforts to guarantee the safety, improve the welfare, and working conditions of all healthcare workers, including resident doctors.”