The Federal Government has vowed to implement the ‘No work, no pay’ rule against members of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) who recently embarked on a seven-day strike.
The doctors’ strike is in protest of the government’s failure to rescue Dr. Ganiyat Popoola-Olawale, abducted on December 27, last year, along with her husband and nephew.
Dr. Popoola-Olawale, a registrar at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna, and her nephew remain in captivity, while her husband was released in March.
Three days into the strike, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare threatened to enforce the policy, expressing disappointment that NARD went on strike despite being informed of ongoing efforts to address the situation.
But there were indications at the weekend that the government was poised not to pay the striking workers for the seven days they did not work.
The government’s decision to apply the rule, according to a source at the ministry, who is familiar with the situation, stemmed from concerns about the political and public perception implications of the decision to implement or abandon the policy.
“The Federal Government remains committed and resolute to the “No Work, No Pay” policy of the government. As such, it would be implemented to the letter,” the source said.
The high-ranking source, who chose not to be named, said the government had no intention of reneging on its commitments, adding that the association was aware of the government’s genuine efforts on the issue yet disrupted health services with the strike.
“Just like the association is demanding action over their colleague’s unfortunate situation, the government is equally responsible to the citizens who were denied healthcare services. The casualties or victims of the strike can only be imagined.
“The government would do what is right by Nigerians and especially the most vulnerable,” the source added.
