The Bayelsa State Government has appealed to striking Doctors in the state to call off their Industrial action as the government was working hard to resolve their demands.
The appeal was made by Governor Duoye Diri during a meeting between State Government representatives, members of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), as well as the state chapter of the Nigerian medical association at Yenagoa.
See Also: Ondo Deputy Governor Reappoints Aides Sacked by Governor Akeredolu
Although the national body of NARD had suspended it’s industrial action, it’s members in Bayelsa refused to resume work because of poor working conditions.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo at the meeting said two out of three demands made by the doctors are being met by the state government.
“We are aware of your working conditions which have been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. Health facilities are overstretched in the country, so this is not the right time to go on strike.
But let me assure you that two of the three hot issues you have raised in this meeting are already being tackled by the present administration because of the premium we place on our health sector.
“For instance, on the issue of employment, His Excellency, the Governor, graciously approved the employment of some doctors and nurses in the NDUTH as we came on board. The deputy governor said.
He expressed the gratitude of the Bayelsa State Government to the doctors for their sacrifices and contributions towards containing COVID-19 in the State.