Nigeria Medical Association Urges Government to Reconsider 'No Work, No Pay' Policy for Striking Doctors

The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has urged the Federal Government to reconsider using the 'No Work, No Pay' policy against striking members of the Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD). The NMA believes that this policy will have a detrimental effect on the country's healthcare delivery system.

The Chairman of the NMA's Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter, Charles Ugwuanyi, made the appeal on Sunday during a thanksgiving mass at the Holy Trinity Church in Maitama. The occasion was part of the NMA-FCT's Annual General Meeting and Week activities.

In his statement, Ugwuanyi highlighted the potential complications that could arise from implementing the 'No Work, No Pay' policy. He emphasized that it would not serve the best interests of the country and called on the government to reconsider its decision.

"Government should look at it critically. It will not do the country any good; it will lead to further complications. We are really advising that the government should take a look at what it is about to do because it will halt the system more," Ugwuanyi said.

The NMA-FCT chairman also used the opportunity to underscore the need for governments at all levels to improve working conditions for doctors in Nigeria. He pointed out that the number of active, registered doctors in the country has significantly decreased in recent years.

"If you look at the medical registry in Nigeria today, we have more than 110, 000 doctors who have been found registrable, who have passed through the registration process. However, as of April 2022, we have just less than 36,000 doctors who renewed their practicing license. Currently, we have less than 25,000 doctors registered and practicing in this country. This is a concerning trend," Ugwuanyi added.

The NMA's call for improved working conditions and the reconsideration of the 'No Work, No Pay' policy highlights the concerns of the medical community in Nigeria. The availability of qualified doctors and the quality of healthcare services have a significant impact on the well-being of the nation's citizens.

It is crucial for the government to carefully evaluate the potential consequences of its policies in order to ensure the continued provision of quality healthcare services to the Nigerian population. Additionally, addressing the issues of working conditions and remuneration for doctors is vital to attract and retain healthcare professionals, which are essential for the development and sustainability of the healthcare sector in Nigeria.

Source of content: OOO News 2023-08-07 News

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