The Federal Government announced on Thursday its decision to enforce the ‘no work, no pay’ policy in response to the ongoing strike by resident doctors.
This action comes after the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) began a seven-day warning strike, inspite of ongoing negotiations and efforts by the government to address their concerns.
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare expressed its disappointment with the strike, particularly as it coincides with efforts to secure the release of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a resident doctor abducted eight months ago in Kaduna.
Although her husband was freed in March, Dr. Popoola and her nephew remain in captivity.
The ministry said that progress has been made in negotiations, and the government actively addressing several of NARD’s demands.
Despite these efforts, the ministry regretted NARD’s decision to proceed with the strike and reiterated the government’s commitment to the safety and well-being of healthcare workers.
As part of the response, the government plans to enforce the ‘no work, no pay’ policy, aligning with existing labor laws, while urging the doctors to return to negotiations for a lasting resolution to the issues affecting the healthcare sector.
The statement read in part:
“The ministry finds the decision to proceed with this strike action, in the midst of these ongoing discussions, deeply regrettable. 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.
“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.”
