NARD Strike: FG Rejects NMA Ultimatum
The Ministry of Labour and Employment has said it will not accept the 21-day ultimatum which the Nigeria Medical Association gave to the Federal Government if it fails to resolve all issues with Resident Doctors.
The ministry had, on Sunday evening, reacted to the threat in a statement titled, ‘Labour Ministry to NMA: Your 21-Day Ultimatum in Collision With Our MoU,’ the government argued that the association stand was in direct collision with the Memorandum of Understanding signed on August 21.
The NMA threatened to join the ongoing Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors strike if the government fails to resolve all the issues in the various agreements signed with the affiliated unions.
Their decision was part of the resolutions reached when the National Executive Council (NEC) met in Benin City last week.
“After due consideration, NEC put the Federal Government on a 21 days’ notice to fully resolve all the issues contained in the various agreements signed with Affiliate members of the Nigerian Medical Association (including MDCAN, MEDSABAMS, and NARD),” the statement jointly signed by its President, Prof Innocent AO Ujah and Secretary, Dr Philips Uche Ekpe, read.
The doctors noted that if the Federal Government do not implement the agreements after the expiration of the 21- day notice, the NMA will convene an emergency delegate meeting.
Recall that NARD began its strike on July 31, and despite meetings with the Federal Government and the striking doctors, no resolution has been reached. NMA’s injunction is the latest in the clash between the Nigerian government and the amazing doctors.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, had recently threatened to invoke the “no-work, no pay” rule on NARD.
The NMA has, however, stated its support with the striking doctors and other health workers.
“The Nigerian Medical Association fully supports all her affiliates in their efforts to improve the healthcare delivery in Nigeria and the welfare of her members,” it assured.
