The Federal Government said on Thursday that it would implement the ‘no work, no pay’ policy for the striking resident doctors.
However, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) informed reporters that it was unaffected by the threat and that the strike will continue for the entire seven days.
The aggrieved doctors launched a seven-day warning strike on Monday to demand the release of its member, Dr Ganiyat Popoola, who was kidnapped eight months ago.
Popoola, a registrar in the Department of Ophthalmology at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna, was abducted on December 27, 2023, together with her husband and nephew.
Popoola and her nephew are still being held captive, despite the fact that her husband was released in March.
Dr. Dele Abdullahi, President of NARD, stated that the decision to launch the warning strike was decided during a virtual meeting of the Extraordinary National Executive Council on Sunday.
Dr. Kefas Wadi, NARD’s Vice President II and Chairman of the NARD Medical Education Committee, responded to the Federal Government’s announcement on Thursday that the ‘no work, no pay’ policy would be used.
“There have been saying it; it is not new. We are focused on our objectives, irrespective of the consequences. They can even decide to sack us as long as they bring back our kidnapped colleague. It is going to be a win-win situation for us.
“There was a time they sacked us, so this is not new. The strike continues,” Wadi said.
Ado Bako, Assistant Director for Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, revealed the ‘no work, no pay’ policy in a statement issued on Thursday.
The statement stated that the ministry was disappointed by NARD’s decision to go on a seven-day warning strike, despite all conversations and pleas from the Federal Government to settle its concerns and ensure continuing industrial harmony.
“Over the past months, the ministry, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, has been working tirelessly to ensure the immediate and safe rescue of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola. High-level discussions and coordinated efforts are currently underway, and we remain confident that these measures will lead to a positive outcome.
“The ministry finds the decision to proceed with this strike action, in the midst of these ongoing discussions, deeply regrettable. We believe that continued dialogue is the best approach to resolving any outstanding issues.
“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 that, in line with extant labour laws, the Federal Government will evoke the ‘No Work, No Pay’ for the number of days the strike was observed.
“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.”
