Striking resident doctors have ended their seven-day industrial action in response to the abduction of their colleague, Ganiyat Popoola.
The strike, which began last Monday, faced strong opposition from the Federal Government, which threatened to enforce the ‘No work, no pay’ policy.
The government expressed disappointment over the union’s decision to strike, stating that despite being informed of the various steps it was taking to address the situation, the union still chose to down tools.
Despite this threat, the doctors maintained the strike until its scheduled conclusion.
However, the President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Dele Abdullahi, stated that the association would reassess the Federal Government’s actions over the next three weeks to ensure that meaningful progress has been made.
He said: “We are suspending the strike now. We will be meeting to review the progress the government has made in the next three weeks.
“We are resuming on Monday, September 2, 2024, at 8 am. The engagement of the government has been a little bit better. But, we are hopeful that they will sustain this current line of action.”
The seven-day warning strike was prompted by what the union described as the government’s failure to secure the release of Ganiyat Popoola, a registrar in the Department of Ophthalmology at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna.
Popoola was abducted on December 27, 2023, along with her husband and nephew.
While her husband was released in March, Popoola and her nephew remain in captivity.
Recall that the seven-day warning strike last followed what the union described as the inability of the government to rescue Popoola, a registrar in the Department of Ophthalmology at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna, who was abducted on December 27, 2023, along with her husband and nephew.
Her husband was released in March but Popoola and her nephew remained in captivity.
The Federal Government has appealed to the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to call off its ongoing warning strike, saying it is making efforts to address the association’s concerns.
Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, appealed during a meeting with NARD leaders in Abuja.
The doctors declared a seven-day warning strike in protest against the abduction of its members, especially Dr. Popoola Ganiyat who was abducted eight months ago.
In a statement on Friday by the Head, Press and Public Relations of the ministry, Patience Onuobia the minister stated that the government was committed to citizens’ safety and assured that efforts are underway to address the doctors’ concerns.
Onyejeocha urged the doctors to consider their professional and humanitarian role, and the potential risks to patients’ lives due to the strike.
She stated that President Bola Tinubu has been engaging with security agencies to resolve the issue and has directed increased security measures around hospital facilities.
The minister assured NARD that the government was working to secure the release of their kidnapped colleagues.
Onyejeocha also said President Tinubu remained committed to protecting lives and properties and to ensuring that “these conditions do not persist.”
The Minister said: “I plead with you that work is ongoing, and to please rescind the decision to continue the warning strike because I know that as we speak, people who are not kidnapped are dying, and I know you’re passionate about the lives and health of your brothers and sisters who are in the hospitals.
“This strike is well noted, but of course, you know that seven days is too much. People die in under one hour if they do not have any doctor to attend to them.”
She expressed sympathy for the families of kidnapped victims who tragically lost their lives.
NARD President, Dr. Dele Abdullahi Olaitan, explained that the warning strike resulted from frustration after failed attempts to secure the release of their kidnapped colleagues, especially Dr. Popoola Ganiyat, a breastfeeding mother of five, who has been in captivity since 27th December, 2023, and Dr Fadahunsi, recently abducted in Kogi State.
He emphasised the need for the government to address the frequent abduction of healthcare workers and to fulfill its duty to protect lives and property.
Fed Govt threatens to invoke ‘no work, no pay’ rule
Resident doctors currently on the seven-day working strike risk losing their pay for the period, the Federal Government said yesterday.
Spokesman of the Federal Ministry of Health, Mr. Ado Bako, spoke of government plan to evoke the “No Work, No Pay” policy on members of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
The strike has crippled many hospitals, especially those relying mainly on the service of resident doctors.
NARD members embarked on a seven-day warning strike on Monday to push home their demands on the Federal Government, one of which is the rescue of their colleague, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola.
Popoola, a registrar in the Department of Ophthalmology at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna, was abducted in December 2023, along with her husband and nephew.
Her husband was later released, while Popoola and her nephew remained in captivity.
The doctors accused the government of doing little or nothing to facilitate their colleagues release, which made them to proceed on the warning strike.
They also threatened to go on an indefinite strike should no action taken to get their colleague out after the warning strike.
But the government, through Bako, said invoking the ‘No Work, No Pay’ rule is in line with extant law and therefore not intended to undermine the legitimate concerns of medical professionals.
Bako added that the measure was to further ensure that essential healthcare services were not unduly disrupted to the detriment of the public.
He also said that the ministry was disappointed over NARD’s decision to embark on the seven-day warning strike.
The ministry’s spokesman said that NARD members disregarded all negotiations and pleas by the Federal Government to resolve the issues.
Bako explained that the ministries, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), have been working to ensure the safe rescue of Dr. Popoola.
He said: “High-level discussions and coordinated efforts are currently underway and we remain confident that these measures will lead to a positive outcome.
“The ministry will not relent in its efforts to guarantee the safety, improve the welfare and working conditions of all healthcare workers, including resident doctors.
“Significant strides have been made in recent negotiations, and government has demonstrated good faith by addressing many of the concerns highlighted by NARD.
“The ministry finds the decision to proceed with this strike, in the midst of ongoing discussions, deeply regrettable.”
He, however, identified continued dialogue as the best approach to resolving outstanding issues, encouraging the striking doctors to return to the negotiation table so that stakeholders could collaboratively find lasting solutions to the challenges facing the nation’s healthcare sector.
According to him, the ministry is open to constructive dialogue and committed to working with stakeholders to achieve a fair and sustainable resolution.
“The strike is commencing by midnight today. It’s for seven days, it’s a warning strike, and it’s total.
The strike is in response to the abduction of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a registrar in the Department of Ophthalmology at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna.
Popoola, a registrar in the Department of Ophthalmology at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna, was abducted on December 27, 2023, along with her husband and nephew.
While her husband was released in March, Popoola and nephew remain in captivity.
The Anambra chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has declared an indefinite strike across all private and public hospitals in the state, following the abduction of Dr. Stephen Ezeh.
The action followed the expiration of an ultimatum given to both the state government and security agencies.
The decision was detailed in a statement signed by Dr. Princeston Okam and Dr. Ifeanyi Obiaeli, chairman and secretary of the NMA in Anambra state, and shared with reporters in Awka.
The statement said: “NMA Anambra hereby directs all doctors in the state to forthwith withdraw clinical services in all Federal, State, and Private, Mission, Institutional, and Corporate hospitals in the State until our member is released.
“That NMA Anambra will painstakingly monitor compliance with the above directive through her ‘Strike Monitoring Team’ and that defaulting hospitals and members will be blacklisted/ penalised in line with congress resolutions.
“That Anambra State government should activate all necessary security agencies and instruments at its disposal to ensure timely and unconditional release of our abducted member.
“NMA Anambra State is not oblivious to the hardship this withdrawal of services will cause the good people of Anambra
“However, we appeal to the State government to expedite action towards securing the release of our colleague to restore normalcy to the health system.
“NMA Anambra leadership will continue to brainstorm and work together with all relevant government agencies to collectively achieve a healthy and secured populace.”
The body, however, commended the governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and his commissioner for health, Dr. Afam Obidike for their painstaking effort towards improving healthcare delivery and security in the State.
The body also commended doctors for their resolve and commitment towards offering quality health care to the Anambra people.
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), National Orthopaedic Hospital Igbobi, Lagos has joined the nationwide solidarity march of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) over prolonged captivity of one of its members, Dr Popoola Ganiyat.
The doctors during the walk yesterday, urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts toward her safe release.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the doctors are seen displaying placards with various inscriptions, demanding the release of Ganiyat, a Registrar in the Department of Opthalmology at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna.
According to the medical practitioners, Ganiyat was abducted last December 26, alongside her husband and nephew.
The President of ARD, Dr Edeh Ernest, expressed displeasure of the association over the sad development.
He appealed to the Federal Government and security agencies for urgent action to ensure their immediate release.
Ernest decried that the doctor had been in the hands of her abductors for more than seven months.
“This walk represents more than just a physical journey; it symbolises our unwavering commitment to justice, to protection of our community, and to the values that Ganiyat stood for.
“We have walked in solidarity today to remind the government that an injury to one is an injury to all.
“Therefore, we demand for the government’s intervention to ensure her immediate release.
“We also plead to security agencies to step up their search and ensure that Ganiyat is granted freedom,” Ernest said.
The ARD president recalled that NARD had made efforts to facilitate release of the abducted doctor and threatened to embark on industrial action from August 26, if Ganiyat was not released.
Ernest, therefore, stated that failure to rescue the doctor would not guarantee industrial harmony, saying that ARD would not hesitate to join the industrial action.
The Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Mustapha Alimi, while addressing the doctors during the walk, said the hospital was displeased with the sad news of the missing doctor.
Represented by Dr Lawal Wakeel, the Head of Clinical Services, Alimi expressed optimism that Ganiyat would be released alive and strong.
“The hospital management is in full support of the solidarity walk and sympathises with all doctors in Nigeria and hopes that the government will do the needful for her immediate release.”
Health Commissioners’ Forum has lauded President Bola Tinubu for approving the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration to address exodus of doctors abroad.
The 36 commissioners said this will transform health care, human resource management and stop the drift by doctors abroad.
A communique after their meeting and signed by Chairperson, (Ekiti State Commissioner for Health), Dr. Oyebanji Filani, and Secretary, Dr Ahmed Ahmed el-Imam, said the dearth of health practitioners makes it imperative for innovative strategies to attract, train and retain healthcare professionals in Nigeria.
They noted the growing incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs): hypertension, diabetes mellitus and renal diseases and need for increased awareness, prevention, and treatment.
Reiterating commitment to preparedness, surveillance and response, including pre-positioning of drugs, supplies and response teams, they called for strong control measures to reinforce partnership with Nigeria Centre for Disease Control to curtail spread of infectious diseases.
It reads: “The commissioners reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening primary healthcare as cornerstone of Nigeria healthcare system. Emphasis was placed on ensuring adequate staffing, training, and provision of essential medicines andequipment to improve service delivery at the grassroots level…’’
“We considered Supreme Court judgment on Local Government Financial Autonomy appraising implications for PHC Financing. A sub-committee developed a paper with Nigerian Governors’ Forum as well as Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare”.
“The commissioners advocated increased allocations to health and explore alternative funding to ensure Nigerians access affordable and quality healthcare…’’
Concern Medics Foundation (CMF), a group of Nigerian doctors in the Diaspora, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Hospital for Women and Children in Abuja.
The agreement was formalized on Tuesday in Abuja by the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Professor Raji Mahmoud, and the chairperson of CMF, Dr. Sadiya Gumi.
The agreement aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision, as outlined by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, to ensure that healthcare professionals are well-supported, adequately compensated, and effectively utilized to meet the healthcare needs of Nigerians.
The deal was sealed in order to reduce the menace of Japa syndrome among medical doctors in the country.
Gumi in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday, August 15, noted that the parties involved in the partnership desires to collaborate to address the issue of medical brain drain by facilitating the involvement of Nigerian doctors in the diaspora, who will participate in a two-year rotation program at National Hospital Abuja.
Gumi added that CMF and the hospital acknowledged the potential to turn brain drain to brain gain involving Nigerian doctors in diaspora.
She added that 24 doctors from all over the world that have signed up for this pilot scheme.
Gumi, while speaking further, said that some of the diasporan doctors are specialist in surgery, psychiatry intensive care , anaesthetist, paediatrics, adult medicine and general practice etc.
She said: “Nigerian doctors migrate to the United Kingdom (UK) and other Western nations to practice their skill which is a Brain Drain to Nigeria and its economy.
“The Parties acknowledge the potential to turn Brain Drain to Brain Gain involving Nigerian doctors in diaspora. The Parties desires to collaborate to address the issue of medical brain drain by facilitating the involvement of Nigerian doctors in the diaspora, who will participate in a two-year rotation program at National Hospital Abuja.
“Provide onsite accommodation for visiting diasporan doctors. Ensure the accommodation is renovated, furnished, and secure to create a conducive environment for the doctors.
“Assist with necessary logistics support to facilitate the smooth integration of the visiting doctors into the hospital’s operations. Organized and coordinates the participation of Nigerian Doctors in the diaspora to come on rotation every month. Continuous training and mentoring of resident doctors.
“Ensure that the doctors are registered and meet all necessary professional and regulatory requirements. Provide necessary logistical arrangements for the visiting doctors, including travel, food and transportation as needed. b. Collaborate with the National Hospital to ensure the sustainability and potential expansion of the program to other states in Nigeria.
“Both parties agree to maintain the confidentiality of any proprietary or sensitive information shared during this collaboration. Both parties will jointly monitor and evaluate the progress and impact of the program, making adjustments as necessary to achieve the desired outcomes.
“Both parties agree to explore and secure funding and resources necessary to support the program’s implementation and sustainability. This MOU may be terminated by either party with a 60-day written notice. Upon termination, both party will work together to ensure a smooth transition and minimal disruption to the program”.
“We currently have 24 doctors from all over the world that have signed up for this pilot scheme. Some of the diasporan doctors are specialist in Surgery, psychiatry intensive care , anaesthetist , paediatrics, adult medicine and general practice etc. We hope to roll this out in all the 36 states not just Abuja. We continue to seek support by the government as mentioned by minister of health in latest article. It is due to start in September but due to logistic issues we will be starting November 2024.”
The coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate has said that 67% of doctors and nurses trained in Nigeria work in the United Kingdom (UK).
Pate announced on X on Monday that President Bola Tinubu has approved a new national policy aimed at curbing the migration of health workers.
He said the policy is a comprehensive strategy designed to manage, harness, and reverse the trend of health worker migration.
However, while appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Tuesday, Pate said if health workers of Nigerian origin pull out of the National Health Service (NHS), the service will struggle.
He spoke on the new National Policy on Health Workforce Migration approved by President Bola Tinubu to tackle the exodus of health workers from Nigeria in a phenomenon colloquially known as ‘Japa’.
He said Nigerian doctors and nurses are attractive and the country should be proud of that.
He noted that not all Nigerian health workers leave the country and that those who leave have their reasons for exiting.
He said the policy “is really about health diplomacy and promoting ethical recruitment practices”.
“The recruitment countries; that recruit our professionals, should they not have some responsibilities help us expand the training? Because the strain of health workers’ migration is continuous; it’s not going to stop tomorrow.
“UK will need Nigerian doctors. 67% of our doctors go to the United Kingdom and 25% of the NHIS workforce is Nigerian.
“Does the UK, for instance, want to consider expanding the pre-service education? Can we have corridors that allow us to have a compact that ‘you’ll take so but you will also help us train more so you will replace them’? That is in the realm of health diplomacy and ethical replacement,” Pate said.
“Nigerians are very vibrant, very entrepreneurial, and very capable wherever they are. If Nigerians hold back from the UK, for instance, the NHS will struggle to provide the services that many Nigerians are going there to get,” he added.
Pate said over 75% of health workers trained in the last year have left Nigeria to other countries as economic migrants. “We have good training centres here, and the universities are doing a great job,” he admitted.
He said there is freedom of movement and the government cannot stop them from leaving but the government will make it conducive for them to stay and practice in Nigeria.
Pate noted that the new policy will facilitate incentives for medical workers to stay in Nigeria with improved welfare packages as well as enhanced capacity development.
Another area of focus of the new policy is the promotion of a decent work environment that is not beyond 12 hours per shift.
Doctors have called for speedy implementation of the executive order by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu granting tariffs, excise duties and value-added tax waiver on imported pharmaceutical ingredients.
The doctors under the aegis of Nigerian Medical Association, Ekiti State branch, who hailed President Tinubu for the bold initiative, urged the government to surmount the challenges that threatened effective implementation of the waiver.
This was contained in a communiqué by its Chairman, Dr. Oreyemi Ifedayo and Secretary, Dr. Akinluyi Oluwatobi, at the end of the 27th Annual General Meeting of the association held in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, from August 4 to 9.
The doctors lamented increasing levels of sudden deaths among the citizens due to the lack of access to health care services, noting that government at all levels must be deliberate in its efforts at ameliorating sufferings of the masses.
They said speedy implementation of the waivers on drugs and other medical consumables would help transform Nigeria’s health sector by increasing local production of medical products, reducing the price of drugs and medical supplies, thereby making them more affordable to Nigerians.
They also urged the Federal Government to review the palliative policies put in place to cushion economic hardship in the country towards ensuring Nigerians feel the impacts of such interventions.
