Doctors On Notice: Wike Declares He Won’t Pay After Strikes

The Federal Capital Territory’s Minister, Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to resident doctors in Abuja, cautioning them against the threat of going on strike…CONTINUE READING....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Wike has made it clear that during his tenure as a minister, he will not pay doctors who engage in industrial action, and he is prepared to challenge them in court.

In his address to the resident doctors, Wike emphasized that he would benefit financially when they decide to go on strike.

He encouraged them to provide their recommendations, and the government will evaluate which ones can be implemented.

He discouraged the use of strike threats and asserted that even if doctors return from a strike, their payments will be determined through legal means.

Recently, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has intermittently gone on strike due to the federal government’s failure to meet their demands.

These demands include the immediate disbursement of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), concrete steps towards an “upward review” of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), and the settlement of all outstanding salary arrears dating back to 2015.

Additionally, the doctors seek the prompt hiring of clinical staff in hospitals and the removal of bureaucratic obstacles hindering the immediate replacement of departing doctors and nurses.

They also call for the immediate revision of hazard allowances by all state governments and private tertiary health institutions where any form of residency training is conducted.