Replace Striking Doctors With Corp Members – FG Tells Hospitals

Replace Striking Doctors With Corp Members – FG Tells Hospitals

Federal Government has directed Chief Medical Directors and Managing Directors of federal tertiary hospitals to “immediately” commence the use of consultants and doctors on the National Youth Service Corps to provide routine services.

FG also said locum staff should “be brought in when and where necessary to forestall services’ disruption when applicable and affordable”.

Dr. Osagie Ehanire, Minister of Health, gave the directive in a statement issued in Abuja today.

He made this known while reacting to the nationwide strike by the National Association of Resident Doctors, over the non-payment of their COVID-19 hazard allowance and other demands.

He said, “lt is with deep concern that l view the ongoing strike by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors which commenced yesterday (Tuesday) September 7, 2020.

According to him, doctors and health workers primary duty is to save lives.

He noted that going on strike in this desperate times when covid 19 is ravaging is ill-timed and ill-advised.

“lt is a critical time in which all well-meaning medical professionals should close ranks and confront the common enemy, which is the COVlD-I9 pandemic threatening mankind.

According to him, most of the demands have been met and others, though, difficult, are at an advanced stage of implementation.

He therefore called for a little patience, saying it would make a big difference.

“The Federal Ministry of Health finds it necessary to ensure measures are put in place to mitigate the effect of this strike on the generality of our populace by directing the CMDs/MDs of our federal tertiary hospitals to immediately do the following: COVlD-19 treatment outlets should continue to function as before.