The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has announced the implementation of the “No Work, No Pay” policy against the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) following the association’s recent nationwide warning strike.
The strike, which began on Monday, was initiated by NARD in protest against the continued detention of one of its members, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola-Olawale, who was abducted under undisclosed circumstances.
NARD, which represents thousands of resident doctors across the country, embarked on a seven-day warning strike to express their dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the abduction case and to press for immediate action.
The strike, which has disrupted healthcare services in various parts of the country, is part of NARD’s broader struggle for better working conditions, improved welfare, and security for healthcare workers.
Dr. Ganiyat Popoola-Olawale, whose abduction triggered the strike, remains in captivity, despite ongoing efforts by security agencies to secure her release.
The doctors’ association argues that the federal government has not done enough to ensure her safe return and has expressed frustration over what they perceive as a lack of urgency in addressing the situation.
In a statement released on Thursday, Ado Bako, the spokesman for the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, expressed deep disappointment over NARD’s decision to proceed with the warning strike.
The ministry stated that the strike was called despite ongoing negotiations and the federal government’s attempts to resolve the concerns raised by the association.
“The decision to proceed with the strike action, in the midst of ongoing discussions, is deeply regrettable,” the statement read. “We believe that continued dialogue is the best approach to resolving any outstanding issues.”
The ministry reiterated its stance that industrial actions, particularly in the healthcare sector, should be a last resort, especially when negotiations are still ongoing.
According to the ministry, significant progress had been made in addressing many of NARD’s concerns, and the government had shown good faith in the negotiation process.
Citing extant labor laws, the ministry announced that it would implement the “No Work, No Pay” policy for the duration of the strike. This policy, the ministry clarified, is not intended to undermine the legitimate concerns of the doctors but to prevent the disruption of essential healthcare services that could harm the public.
“In view of this, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare wishes to bring to the notice of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), that in line with extant labor laws, the Federal Government will evoke the ‘No Work, No Pay’ for the number of days the strike was observed,” the statement said.
“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 ministry also highlighted the ongoing efforts to improve the welfare and working conditions of healthcare workers, including resident doctors.
It noted that substantial progress had been made in recent negotiations and reassured the public that the government remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all healthcare workers.
The statement also addressed the specific issue of Dr. Popoola-Olawale’s abduction, emphasizing that the government, in collaboration with relevant security agencies including the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), has been working tirelessly to secure her safe release.
The ministry expressed confidence that the high-level discussions and coordinated efforts currently underway would lead to a positive outcome.
Despite the enforcement of the “No Work, No Pay” policy, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare reiterated its commitment to dialogue and urged NARD to return to the negotiation table.
The ministry emphasized the importance of collaboration in finding lasting solutions to the challenges facing the healthcare sector in Nigeria.
“As always, the ministry remains open to constructive dialogue and is committed to working together with all stakeholders to achieve a fair and sustainable resolution,” the statement concluded.
