From Rasaq Ibrahim, Ado Ekiti
Ekiti State has called on the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) to suspend its strike in the people’s interest.
The government said it would meet their demands in phases.
Yesterday, the doctors withdrew their services after the 28-day ultimatum to the government expired.
They are protesting alleged wage disparity, unpaid backlog of allowances, among others.
In a statement yesterday by Commissioner for Information Muyiwa Olumilua, the government denied allegations the 19 general and three specialist hospitals, as well as some primary health centres, had shortage of professionals.
Read Also: Resident doctors threaten fresh strike August 17
Olumilua said the state had over 300 doctors on its payroll, contrary to the situation painted by the doctors.
He said: “There are over 300 doctors in the government’s service and more than 700 doctors cumulatively in the state.
“The government appeals to the striking doctors to reconsider their position and return to their duty posts. Continuing with this ill-timed strike will only endanger lives the more.
“It is unfortunate that despite the government’s effort to support the health sector, especially during this pandemic, members of this association have insisted on the strike.
The timing of this strike, in the middle of a global public health crisis, borders on insensitivity.
Government calls on well-meaning Nigerians to appeal to the doctors not to allow themselves be pawns in the hands of political detractors.”
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