The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has demanded immediate reversal of the government’s directive terminating the appointment of resident doctors in all government hospitals.
The association also directed all its members not to accept any letter terminating their appointment from the government. Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, the president of the association, Dr Kayode Obembe, urged medical doctors across the nation not to pick up locum appointment with government hospitals.
“NMA condemns in totality the alleged presidential directive via the federal ministry of health suspending residency training programme in Nigeria,” he said.“NMA demands 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.” Obembe maintained that the association would not suspend its industrial action, which began on July 1, even if the government reinstated the sacked resident doctors, adding that the government must meet its “24-point demand”.“NMA shall resist by all means any attempt by the government to break her ranks as an association,” he added. The president of NMA further said that the government stance would worsen the present industrial disharmony. He urged all doctors to remain committed towards containing the Ebola outbreak, and advised the government to ensure that all persons under surveillance for Ebola virus infection do not travel outside their domain of residence.