Senate President Mediates in FG, Doctors' Impasse
President of the Senate, Senator David Mark on Sunday night met with the leadership of the striking Nigeria Medical Association(NMA) during which he pleaded with them to end the industrial action in the interest of the citizens.
Senator Mark reminded the striking Doctors of their strategic roles in the life of citizens saying that they cannot continue to look the other way when Nigerians who depends on them for medical care faces Heath challenges.
Besides, Senator Mark was of the view that the out break of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) now a national emergency is enough reason for them to suspend the strike and rise up to the challenge of saving their country men and women.
He said Government is not insensitive to their demands but the situation at the moment calls for patriotism on their parts in the interest of our people.
Senator Mark however promised to table their grievances before the President Goodluck Jonathan – led executive arm of government in order to find solutions to them.
The President of NMA Dr. Kayode Obembe who led members of executive to the meeting, listed their grievances to include but not limited to improved hazard allowance for medical and Heath workers, about 10 months unpaid areas as well as appointment of Surgeon- General of the federation .
Above all, Dr. Obembe is asking for the immediate reversal of the Federal Government's sacking of over 16,000 resident Doctors as a basis for further negotiation with them.
Obembe maintained that Doctors are not insensitive to the current Heath challenges on account of the outbreak of EVD but “We are demanding that government should do the needful to improve health care services in the country .”
The NMA meeting with the Senate President reconvenes on Tuesday (19/08/14) when both parties would report progress on the way out of the logjam.
Signed :
Paul Mumeh, Chief Press Secretary to the President of the Senate.
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