September 20, (THEWILL) – Nigeria’s Labour Minister, Dr. Chris Ngige, has pleaded with the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to call off its strike that began in August.
“I want to appeal to NARD for them to reconsider their position: get back to work tomorrow or next and then come back again for discussions,” Mr Ngige pleaded. “We have so many things to discuss.”
Ngige, who before now had said he could not continue to waste his time meeting with the striking doctors, on Channels TV begged them to resume work.
Despite the National Industrial Court ruling that they should return to work, the resident doctors are yet to call off the strike.
The Minister pointed out that he has relations, as well as children, who are medical practitioners.
Dr. Chris Ngige is also a medical doctor.
“I have nephews who are resident doctors. I have three of them in the East —at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching hospital, UNTH Enugu, Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu. I have so many of them,” said Ngige. “I have my son —a house officer. I have my daughter, who is joining housemanship in October.”
He added, “I have a son, God willing, who is going to graduate again in October. I cannot destroy the profession. But I have to protect the profession too if it is going to be vandalized.”
The resident doctors had embarked on an indefinite nationwide strike on August 2, demanding the implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding they signed with the Federal Government in March.
About the Author
