President Goodluck Jonathan has promised to put an end to the lingering industrial actions of National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) as well as the 100-day-old Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and ensure they never embark on strikes again.
The president gave the assurance while hosting the the executives of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), led by its President, Dr. Osahon Enabulele in a closed-door meeting.
The delegation also included the NMA Secretary-General, Dr. Akpufuoma Pemu; the Emir of Tsonga, Dr. Haliru Yahaya and the NMA Second Vice-President, Dr. Uche Ojinmah
In a statement by presidential spokesman Dr. Reuben Abati, the President assured on his efforts to end the strike by resolving all issues engendering disputes.
Jonathan noted that due to the great importance which the government attaches to both the medical and educational sectors, it is paramount to manage both sectors “in such a way that nobody engaged in them will think of going on strike again”.
“We will continue to proactively evolve measures that will help us to permanently overcome the problems that lead to strikes by health and education professionals,” he added.
The President also pledged that the Federal Government would fully explore the option of creating a special intervention fund to facilitate rapid establishment of more centres of medical excellence in the country.
Jonathan further noted that the recommendation of a special fund that will give low interest loans for the establishment of state-of-the-art medical facilities is a creative idea that will receive appropriate consideration from the government.
“We are committed to working with professionals and the private sector to establish better medical facilities in the country and reduce the number of Nigerians who have to go abroad annually for medical reasons”, he further assured.
Jonathan said: “There is clearly a missing link somewhere and we will do everything possible to fix it. We will continue to work with professional bodies and all stakeholders to come up with more policies and actions that will help us overcome current challenges in our medical sector.
“We will work with the National Assembly to ensure the quick passage of the National Health Bill. We will take prompt action to reconstitute the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria. We will also consider recommendations for the establishment of the Office of Surgeon-General of the Federation.”
“I believe that we must always do what is best for our country. We will review all the other issues you have raised and act accordingly. When things are done properly, issues of welfare and remuneration in the health sector will disappear,” the President said.
He also said that his administration would create the right conditions to enable doctors to stay at home and avail Nigerians of their acknowledged skills and expertise instead of migrating to other countries.
On his part, Dr. Enabulele assured President Jonathan of NMA’s support for his administration’s agenda.
He urged the presidency to reconstitute the main regulatory body in the health sector, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria which was dissolved in 2011.
The NMA President also called for government intervention in other pertinent issues in the sector including: faster action on the passage of the National Health Bill and other related issues like remuneration, welfare and training to enhance conducive operating environment for doctors and other healthcare professionals.