FG to implement ‘no work, no pay’ policy for Resident doctors on strike

The Federal Government has instructed the Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors in the Federal Tertiary Hospitals to enforce the no work, no pay policy on the striking members of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors.

In addition, the FG instructed the hospitals to keep a record of all resident doctors who were available for work.

The letter, which our correspondent received on Thursday, was written by the Federal Ministry of Health and was addressed to the CMDs and MDs of every FTH in the nation.

The letter was written by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Andrew Noah, and was dated August 1, 2023. It was addressed to “Re: Incessant Strike Action by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors: Implementation of ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy of the Federal Government.”.

On July 26, 2023, NARD went on a permanent strike to emphasize its demands.

After a two-week deadline for the government to abide by its demands expired, the strike was called.

The doctors are requesting that the one-for-one replacement policy for healthcare workers be put into effect; the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria stop downgrading membership certificates given out by West African Postgraduate Medical and Surgical Colleges; all salary arrears be paid immediately;the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure be put into place; a new hazard allowance be created, and the Medical Residency Training Act be domesticated.

The National Assembly, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and representatives from the Federal Ministries of Health and Labor and Employment held a number of conciliatory meetings with government stakeholders, but they were unsuccessful.

“I’m required to let you know that the Federal Ministry of Health, in accordance with circular Ref. No. 22 June 2016 document number 58598/8.1/II/182.

“In addition, I am directed to ask you to keep a list of all residents who are willing to work and to send a monthly report to the ministry with their names on it.

Dr. Kelechi Chikezie, the Secretary General of NARD, responded by saying the order was not unexpected.

“We will meet as NARD leaders to discuss this after we have seen the letter.

“However, we are not unfamiliar with that policy, nor would we say that we did not anticipate it. However, the NARD position will convene and adopt a stance on it.