The federal government says it will ensure improved working
conditions for doctors and other health workers across the country.
Osagie Ehanire, minister of health, stated this at a media
briefing on Thursday while speaking on the ongoing strike by the National
Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
NARD had declared an indefinite strike, which commenced on
Monday, over “irregular payment of salaries”, among other issues.
The association had alleged that the federal government is
yet to fulfill the demands contained in the agreement made with the doctors.
Ehanire noted that some of the demands made by the doctors
involve states, which the federal government may not be able to do much about
in terms of ensuring compliance.
He, however, promised that the federal government will
improve on efforts to ensure better welfare for doctors.
“In their notice of July 25, 2021, they mentioned states
like Imo, Kaduna, Delta and Lagos. The federal government cannot force these
states to do anything,” Ehanire said.
“For the issues surrounding the federal government, not all
of these issues are for the ministry of health. The payment lies within the
powers of the accountant-general of the federation. We are also working with
other agencies to sort out some of these issues.
“I believe they will call a meeting and reassess some of the
issues they tabled. We already have people who have retired coming in to say
they want to step in. This is not a good time to go on strike.”
Speaking on the emigration of doctors, the minister said the
federal government is working on measures to tackle the situation.
“It is actually difficult to say we want to combat the brain
drain of doctors. They see the salaries there as being expensive and most of
them do not want to serve in rural areas,” he said.
“In Nigeria, we are not the only ones suffering from it.
Some other developing countries also suffer it too; because they studied in
English, they easily get into those countries.
“We are also working to make sure that working conditions in
Nigeria are favourable. That is why we are also working on the issues of hazard
allowances.
“I understand that states are now issuing bonding. So, once
they are trained, they cannot leave the states. We hope the young doctors
understand fully.”
Also speaking, Abdulaziz Abdullahi, permanent secretary in
the ministry of health, said the present administration is always ready to meet
the demands of labour unions or associations in the health sector.
“This is why whenever
any union or association in the health sector complains about their welfare or
any issue, it always receives the prompt attention of Mr. President,” he said.
“It is a fact that the government signed a Memorandum of
Action (MoA) on April, 10, 2021 with the NARD on some of the issues. I am
pleased to inform you that government, in collaboration with the Nigerian
Medical Association (NMA), National
Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) and the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU)
is constantly evaluating the progress made so far on issues concerning their
members.
“It is on record that none of the items on the Memorandum of
Action have been left unattended by the government. As you are aware, processes
and procedures govern the conduct of government business.”
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