SAN FRANCISCO, August 15, (THEWILL) – The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Friday condemned the federal government’s directive that relieved all Resident Doctors of their jobs as well as suspending Residency Programmes in all government funded teaching hospitals and health institutions.
The doctors’ union urged the federal government to immediately rescind the order while it directed Resident Doctors to reject letters terminating their employment and ordered union members to ignore locum appointments when they are approached by government.
Union Chief, Dr Kayode Obembe, in a briefing in Abuja after a meeting with delegates demanded the unconditional withdrawal of Wednesday’s order insisting that the union would continue the 6-week old strike until its 24-point demands are met.
“NMA condemns in totality the alleged presidential directive via the Federal Ministry of Health suspending Residency Training Programme in Nigeria.
“NMA demands the immediate withdrawal of the suspension circular and unconditional reinstatement of the so-called sacked resident doctors.
“Government should show commitment on her part in resolving the current impasse with the NMA rather than resorting to punitive measures that will only further aggravate the already deplorable situation,” the Union chief said.
Obembe also sought doctors’ cooperation and commitment towards containing the deadly Ebola outbreak, which has so far killed four (4) victims amongst the 10 confirmed cases in Lagos, Nigeria’s financial and commercial hub.
Over 170 persons have also been placed on close watch since the disease hit Nigeria.
