The Nigerian government has threatened to withhold the salaries of striking doctors as negotiations to end their industrial action reach a deadlock. This move comes as the strike by members of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) continues to disrupt healthcare services across the country, leaving patients without access to essential medical care.
Health Minister Ali Pate announced the government’s intention to implement a “no work, no pay” policy during a recent press briefing. He stated that the government has exhausted all efforts to negotiate with the doctors, but no agreement has been reached. “We have tried to meet their demands within the confines of our financial constraints,” Pate said. “However, the continuation of this strike is unacceptable, and we will not pay salaries to those who are not working.”
The doctors have been on strike for several weeks, demanding better pay, improved working conditions, and the provision of adequate medical supplies and equipment. The strike has led to a significant strain on Nigeria’s already overburdened healthcare system, with many public hospitals operating at reduced capacity or shutting down entirely.
NARD, which represents over 16,000 resident doctors, argues that the government has failed to honor previous agreements to improve healthcare infrastructure and provide hazard allowances for doctors working under challenging conditions. The union has also raised concerns about the frequent delays in salary payments, which they say have left many doctors struggling to make ends meet.
Dr. Emeka Orji, President of NARD, responded to the government’s threat, saying that the doctors are not intimidated by the “no work, no pay” policy. “Our demands are not unreasonable. We are simply asking for the government to fulfill its obligations to us and to ensure that we have the resources to provide quality care to our patients,” Orji said. “If the government wants to cut our pay, they are welcome to do so. We are not backing down.”
The ongoing strike has sparked outrage among Nigerians, with many expressing frustration over the government’s handling of the situation. Patients and their families have taken to social media to share their experiences of being turned away from hospitals and struggling to access basic healthcare services.
“I have been trying to get treatment for my mother for weeks now, but every hospital I go to is either closed or operating with skeleton staff,” said one concerned citizen. “The government and the doctors need to find a solution fast because people are suffering.”
The strike has also attracted criticism from human rights organizations, which have called on both the government and the doctors to prioritize the welfare of patients. “While we understand the doctors’ grievances, we urge them to consider the impact of this strike on ordinary Nigerians who rely on public healthcare services,” said a spokesperson for a local rights group. “The government must also do more to address the root causes of this strike and ensure that healthcare workers are treated fairly.”
As the deadlock continues, there are growing calls for a mediator to step in and facilitate a resolution. Experts warn that if the strike persists, it could have severe consequences for Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly in rural areas where access to private healthcare is limited.
The government has reiterated its commitment to finding a solution and has urged the doctors to return to work while negotiations continue. However, with both sides standing firm, it remains unclear when or how the dispute will be resolved.
Amidst the uncertainty, there is hope that ongoing dialogue will lead to a breakthrough that ensures doctors are adequately compensated and equipped to deliver essential medical services. For now, the Nigerian public remains caught in the middle of a standoff that has far-reaching implications for the nation’s healthcare system.
Source: Business Day
