The federal government intends to enforce the 'no work, no pay' policy for striking doctors
Amidst the ongoing strike led by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), the Federal Government has adopted a resolute position by introducing a "no work, no pay" policy. This implies that the salaries of resident doctors participating in the strike may be withheld for the duration of their absence from work.
The instruction was conveyed via a letter directed to the Accountant General of the Federation by Andrew Noah, the Director of Hospital Services at the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), acting on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Olufunso Adebiyi.
Dated August 1 and labeled with reference number DHS/828/T1/410, the letter was titled "Re: Continuous Strike Action by Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD): Implementation of the Federal Government's 'No Work, No Pay' Policy."
The correspondence detailed that NARD, in its own communication under Ref. No. NARD/SG/2022-2023/050723/459, had extended its ultimatum by an additional fortnight, effective from July 5. Following the conclusion of this extended deadline on July 19, NARD proceeded to initiate an indefinite strike on July 26, citing dissatisfaction with a range of issues.
NARD's primary demands encompassed the immediate disbursement of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), a minimum enhancement of 200 percent in the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, and a revision in associated allowances. Moreover, they pressed for the resolution of pending arrears concerning consequential adjustment, hazard allowance, and skipping allowance.
Despite several rounds of reconciliatory discussions involving the Ministries of Health and Labour and Employment, government representatives, and the National Assembly, the strike endured, with NARD remaining steadfast in their refusal to terminate the strike.
In a bid to serve as a deterrent to other healthcare workers and to ensure adherence to government directives, the "no work, no pay" policy, outlined in Circular No. 58598/S.1/II/182 dated June 22, 2016, was activated. The directive dictated that salaries for all striking resident doctors would be suspended starting from July 26, 2023, as detailed in the communicated letter.
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