FG invokes “no work, no pay” policy against striking doctors
The federal government has authorized the management of the country’s federal tertiary institutions to begin enforcing the “no work, no pay” policy against the striking resident doctors.
To press their demands, members of the Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) went on indefinite strike on July 26, 2023. They are calling for the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to stop downgrading membership certificates issued by West African Postgraduate Medical and Surgical Colleges, 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, among other things.
The government, however, expressed disappointment in a letter signed by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Andrew Noah, that the doctors initiated the strike despite attempts at conciliatory meetings involving various stakeholders, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and the National Assembly, all of which failed to reach an agreement.
Hospitals have now been instructed to adopt the ‘no work, no pay’ policy and to establish an attendance log for resident doctors who wish to work despite the strike.
It read: “I am directed to inform you that the Federal Ministry of Health has instituted the policy of “No work, No Pay” against the striking resident doctors in line with circular Ref. No.58598/8.1/II/182 dated June 22, 2016.
“I am further directed to request you to maintain an attendance register for all residents willing to work and furnish the ministry of such names on a monthly basis.”