President Muhammadu Buhari has spoken on the recent strike action by doctors, calling them to return to their duties and opt for settlement of issues by negotiation, no matter how long it takes.
This was disclosed by Garba Shehu, senior special assistant to the president (media and publicity), revealing that the president said this while receiving members of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) at the State House, saying,
“Protecting our citizens is not to be left to government alone, but taken as a collective responsibility, in which especially medical professionals play a critical role. Let me speak directly to the striking doctors. Embarking on industrial action at this time when Nigerians need you most is not the best action to take, no matter the grievances.
“This Administration has a good track record of paying all debts owed to government workers, pensioners and contractors and we have even revisited debts left by past administrations, once due verification is done. Debts genuinely owed Health workers will be settled.
“I learnt that some of the 12 points demand in the ongoing strike were already addressed. Though the Review of a new Hazard Allowance has not been fully negotiated because of the sharp and deep division within the ranks of the striking doctors.’’
President Buhari said the outstanding issue of an Establishment circular issued by the Head of Service, removing House officers, NYSC Doctors from scheme of service had an addendum circular from National Salaries and Wages Commission to clarify that they will continue to earn the wages attached to them on their present wage structure.
He requested that the agreement reached in the meetings of 20th and 21st August captured in the MoU be implemented religiously.
To further improve the health sector, the President said budgetary allocations had been increased and a Health Sector Reform Committee, under the Chairmanship of the Vice President, had been commissioned to identify and address weaknesses in the Health System and align with global best practices that raise public confidence.
President Buhari, however, noted that the country's source of revenue was dwindling and the population rising fast, which has resulted into agitations from the Nigerian youths.
He commended the NMA for the role they have been playing in the country, saying,
“I am proud also to learn of various feats that have been achieved in our hospitals, like the separation of conjoined twins and also the valiant efforts of our health personnel in handling the Covid-19 pandemic, much of which has earned us recognition at home and abroad, and the recent appointment of one of your colleagues as Assistant Director General of the World Health Organization. We again warmly congratulate Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu for his elevation.’’
Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, said the NMA had been playing a critical role in development of the health sector, particularly in tackling pandemics, participating in policy formulation and population health.
Also, President of NMA, Prof. Innocent Ujah thanked the president for appointment of members into stragetic positions in government, adding that the association is concerned with the industrial action and has been doing its best to alleviate the suffering of patients across the country, while appealing for urgent resolution.
He thanked President Buhari for takeoff grant for first Federal University of Health Sciences in Otukpo, Benue State; Azare, Bauchi State and Ila Orangun, Osun State, suggesting an appropriate funding the module for the new institutions.
He assured the President of the continuous support of members of the association to improve health in the country.
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