Doctors Unaffected by Nationwide Strike — ‘We Remain Active’

Doctors disassociate themselves from a national strike, saying, “We remain active”

On Monday, June 3, the Nigerian Medical Association, or NMA, declared that its members are still offering healthcare services to those in need and that the organization is not connected to the organized labor movement.

The NMA responded to media reports that said doctors had refused to take part in the ongoing, indefinite strike that Organized Labor had called for.

The NMA stressed in a press release issued by Dr. Benjamin Egbo, its National Secretary-General, that while the organization is not affiliated with organized labor, it recognizes and shares the pain and challenges that Nigerians experience.

“The NMA has not declared a strike action, hence doctors will be at their duty posts to attend to clients who desire to use health services.

“The NMA uses this avenue to call on Government as well as all stakeholders to consider the plight of the average Nigerian and do everything possible to address the issues that have led to the present impasse,” the statement partly read.

The leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have received an invitation from the Federal Government, which was sent through the National Salaries, Wages, and Income Commission (NSWIC).

It is still unclear, though, if the labor leaders would be present at the conference.

Following their decision to go on an indefinite nationwide strike, a number of unions have closed their places of business.

A national indefinite strike was declared by organized labor on Friday, May 31, in response to the Federal Government's unwillingness to raise the proposed minimum wage from N60,000.