Govt appeals to doctors to halt 7-day warning strike

The Nigerian government is appealing to doctors to halt their 7-day warning strike. Explore the reasons behind the strike and the government’s response.

The National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD has been urged by the Federal Government to end their seven-day warning strike.

During a visit to the National Eye Centre in Kaduna on Thursday, Dr Tunji Alausa – The Minister of State for Health – appealed.

Alausa has stated that they are currently in negotiations to guarantee the security of Dr Ganiyat Popoola, their abducted colleague.

Regarding the issue, we have been in communication with Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser and are effectively handling it.

“He said that he had discussed with the Commissioner of Police and they are all working diligently to ensure her release,” was his statement.

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According to the minister, he met with NARD’s leadership on Monday regarding the situation and tried persuading them to end their strike since it could exacerbate matters.

Alausa stated that the kidnappers were constantly altering their requests, but diligent security agencies were striving to ensure her safe retrieval.

It should be noted that the association initiated a strike in order to alert authorities for seven days regarding Dr Ganiyat Popoola, who is located in Kaduna and requires rescue.

In December 2023, Popoola who works at the center was abducted and has been held by his captors for approximately nine months.

Dr Ibrahim Mohammed, the Chairman of the National Eye Centre association, confirmed that despite this statement, the strike was still ongoing.

According to him, the strike had been joined by both medical and dental consultants following a directive from the national organization.