Doctors Strike continues as court adjourns case till September 15

17 Aug Doctors Strike continues as court adjourns case till September 15

The Industrial Court has adjourned a suit against striking resident doctors under the aegis of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) instituted by the Federal Government till September 15, 2021.

The Minister of Labour and Employment Dr Chris Ngige took the striking doctors to court over the abdication of their responsibilities. The resident doctors began an indefinite strike on August 2, 2021, due to the failure of the government to meet most of their demands.

The Industrial Court summoned the doctors to explain why the “no work, no pay” rule should not be applied against them.

Some of them were the withdrawal of the circular by the Head of Service removing House Officers from the scheme of service and the transfer of its members from the GIFMIS platform to the IPPIS platform because of the hardship caused by the GIFMIS platform due to the delays in payment of their salaries ranging from three to seven months.

Present at the court were key members of the NARD and the Ministry of Health. Officials of Ministry of Labour and Employment were absent.

Speaking in a briefing after the case was adjourned, President of the NARD, Dr Uyilawa Okhuaihesuyi, said: “We once again appeal to Nigerians to bear with us because a hungry Doctor is a dangerous doctor.

“We are hopeful the government shall do the needful as it pertains to the welfare of our members, thus curbing the ugly incidence of brain drain. Together we can. God bless the beautiful people of Nigeria.”