FG Slams ‘No Work, No Pay’ Policy on Striking Doctors

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has announced that it will enforce the “no work, no pay” policy on striking resident doctors, in line with extant labour laws.

This comes after the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) embarked on a seven-day warning strike, despite pleas from the Federal Government to resolve its concerns and maintain industrial harmony.

In a statement, ministry spokesman Ado Bako expressed disappointment over the strike and noted that the measure is aimed at ensuring essential healthcare services are not disrupted.

He noted that the government is committed to constructive dialogue and finding lasting solutions to challenges in the healthcare sector.

The strike, which began on Monday, is demanding the release of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a Kaduna-based doctor held captive by kidnappers for over eight months.

The ministry stated that it has been working with security agencies to rescue Popoola and that high-level discussions are underway.

The “no work, no pay” policy will be enforced for the duration of the strike.

The ministry encouraged resident doctors to return to negotiations to find a fair and sustainable resolution.