The federal government has reiterated its commitment towards enhancing the wellbeing and safety of medical professionals and upgrading all government-run healthcare facilities nationwide.
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, during a meeting with representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health and the leadership of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) led by its national president, Dr. Dele Abdullahi, to discuss and resolve issues brought forward by the association to the ministry.
Onyejeocha in a statement issued Tuesday by her Media Adviser, Emameh Gabriel, commended the association for their willingness to work together and also acknowledged their recognition of the government’s achievements in specific areas, stating the positive outcomes of their cooperation.
She said: “I had earlier heard about some of your concerns raised, and of which I deemed very serious. I share in your concerns and I am here to let you know that the government is poised to improve your standard, believing that when you are treated well, those who left our country will return, because Nigeria is the best place to stay. I believe that strike is the last option. That is why I wouldn’t want to wait till strike notice is issued.
“I have heard what you have said. The good thing is that we have been very cooperative, and I will reach out to my colleagues whose offices fall within the duties of certain issues you have raised. So that we will know how to fast-track solutions. I am glad that you acknowledged some of the areas the Ministry of Health has addressed and how they have been “proactive”.
“I am promising you that we have a government that is responsible and proactive. Our President is committed and pushes us to ensure that we do not leave situation of things the way we met them.”
Earlier, the leadership of the association stressed the urgent need to address the issues, including unresolved matters inherited from the previous administration.
The association added that these pressing concerns included; inadequate compensation, delayed payments of allowances, insufficient training funds, issues with the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), poor working conditions, and security threats, notably the recent incident at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja.