Nigerian government has accused resident doctors of violating an agreement between the two parties to suspend their strike on Monday.
Resident doctors began an indefinite strike across the country on September 4, demanding payment of salary arrears, stagnated promotion and a halt to alleged diversion of funds meant for them by chief medical directors.
Samuel Olowookere, the Deputy Director Press in the Ministry of Labour and Employment said the government was utterly disappointed that the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), without enough reasons, reneged on an agreement, detailed with timelines for faithful implementation, the Premium Times reports.
“In view of this unfortunate development, the Hon. Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige, in exercise of the powers conferred on him by the Trade Dispute Act 2004, has apprehended the on-going strike by NARD. Consequently, the meeting between NARD and government earlier scheduled for November 2, 2017 is now convened for Wednesday, 6th September 2017 by 12 noon at the Conference Room of the Hon. Minister of Labour and Employment.” Mr. Olowookere said.
Mr. Isaac Adewole，the Minister of Health, who also confirmed the planned Wednesday meeting, said that the government needed a little more time to address all the issues.
Mr. Adewole also appealed striking doctors to suspend the action in the interest of Nigerians who are in need of medical care.
The strike affects widely the health care in public secondary and tertiary hospitals in the country, particularly the teaching hospitals.
