The management of the nation’s federal tertiary hospitals has been given orders by the federal government to start enforcing the “no work, no pay” policy against the striking resident doctors
To further hammer home their demands, members of the Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) went on an indefinite strike on July 26, 2023. Among other things, they are requesting the following: the immediate payment of all salary arrears; the implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure; a new hazard allowance; and the domestication of the Medical Residency Training Act. They are also demanding the implementation of the one-for-one replacement policy for healthcare workers; the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to stop downgrading the membership certificate issued by the West African Postgraduate Medical and Surgical Colleges; the immediate payment of all salary arrear.
The government, however, expressed disappointment that the doctors began the strike in a letter signed by the director of hospital services, Dr. Andrew Noah, despite efforts to mediate meetings between various parties, the secretary to the government of the federation, and the National Assembly, all of which failed to reach an agreement.
The “no work, no pay” policy and the maintenance of an attendance log for resident doctors who are willing to work through the strike have now been requested of hospitals.
It stated;.
“I am required to let you know that the Federal Ministry of Health has implemented the “No Work, No Pay” policy against the striking resident doctors in accordance with circular Ref. No. 22 June 2016 document number 58598/8.1/II/182.
“I am further directed to ask that you keep an attendance register for all residents who are willing to work and to monthly provide the ministry with the names of those residents.
