‘No work no pay’ – dont hold us responsible for any potential outcome, Doctors tell Nigerians
The Federal Ministry of Health directive to enforce the “no work, no pay” policy on its striking employees was criticized by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Friday.
According to NARD, the doctors cannot be held responsible for any potential outcome of the crisis.
In response to the circular, Dr. Emeka Orji, President of NARD, called the ministry’s decision disappointing in a conversation with newsmen.
Recall that the Federal Government had instructed hospitals to keep an attendance record for all resident doctors and that the Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals were to enforce the no work, no pay policy on the National Association of Resident Doctors, or NARD, members who were on strike.
The Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Andrew Noah, signed the circular dated August 1 and addressed to all CMDs and MDs in the country with the subject line: “Re: Incessant strike action by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors: Implementation of ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy of the Federal Government.”
The circular reads In part:
“The various conciliatory meetings by the Federal Ministry of Health, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment with Government stakeholders, Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the National Assembly has proved abortive in getting NARD to call off their indefinite strike action.
“I am directed to inform you that the Federal Ministry of Health has instituted the policy of ‘No work, No Pay’ against the striking resident doctors in line with circular Ref. No.58598/8.1/II/182 dated June 22, 2016.
“I am further directed to request you to maintain an attendance register for all residents willing to work and furnish the ministry of such name every month.”
Doctors react
NARD President Dr. Orji quickly reacted, saying:
“It is regrettable that the Ministry of Health has been transferring responsibility and continuously saying they don’t have a minister, which is why they can’t manage such situations.
“They now have the will and the capacity of implementing imputative measures.
“I can tell you that this letter has aggravated things and nobody should blame NARD for any escalation that might likely happen from next week.”