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The ongoing tension between the Federal Government and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has escalated as the government announced its decision to implement the “no work, no pay” policy in response to the seven-day warning strike initiated by the doctors.
The strike, which began on Monday, August 29, was sparked by the abduction of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a registrar in the Department of Ophthalmology at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna, who was kidnapped in December 2023 alongside her husband and nephew.
While her husband was released in March, Dr. Popoola and her nephew remain in captivity, leading to mounting frustrations among the medical professionals.
In a statement released by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, signed by Assistant Director on Information and Public Relations, Ado Bako, the ministry expressed its disappointment over NARD’s decision to proceed with the strike despite ongoing negotiations.
The ministry emphasized that significant efforts have been made in collaboration with security agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, to secure Dr. Popoola’s release, and assured that “high-level discussions and coordinated efforts are currently underway.”
The ministry’s statement also noted, “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.”
The Federal Government’s stance has led to further discontent among the striking doctors, who feel that their grievances have not been adequately addressed.
While the ministry urged the doctors to return to the negotiation table, stating that
“the ministry remains open to constructive dialogue and is committed to working together with all stakeholders to achieve a fair and sustainable resolution,” there remains skepticism about the government’s commitment to resolving the broader issues facing the healthcare sector.
The ongoing standoff highlights the deepening mistrust between the doctors and the government, raising concerns about the future of healthcare delivery in the country.
