The leadership of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has expressed worried and concerned about the on-going strike of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) which has increased the burden of vulnerable Nigerians.
This was contained in a statement signed by NSCIA Director of Administration,Arc. Zubairu Haruna Usman-Ugwu.
“Without prejudice to the legitimacy of the demands of the NARD, we urge the Association to, in the spirit of the Hippocratic Oath to which members subscribe and in consideration of the devastating effects of COVID-19 pandemic and the outbreak of cholera in some parts of the country, suspend the industrial action while negotiation with the government continues” NSCIA said.
The Council therefore pleaded with the Minister of Labour and Productivity,Sen.Chris Ngige to reconsider the Ministry’s stance to abandon negotiations with the doctors.
“The anger of the government side, no matter its basis, has not ameliorated the suffering of ordinary Nigerians who are helpless victims of the logjam.
“The government, therefore, has to vigorously and sincerely re-engage the leadership of NARD in a manner that would inspire the confidence of the medical doctors in the negotiation. The Federal Government also has a duty to coordinate the responses of other tiers of government towards addressing the grievances of the doctors”.NSCIA stated.
While commending the intervention of the National Assembly and other concerned Nigerians, the council urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity to intensify negotiations with a view to finding a lasting solution to the fundamental issues raised by the doctors.
The Council further urged the Doctors to suspend the current strike to allow for meaningful negotiation.
