The Federal Government has ordered federal teaching hospitals to intensify their hiring processes for medical professionals, including doctors and nurses, to prevent a shortage of healthcare workers.
The Federal Government also reiterated its commitment to improving the well-being and safety of medical professionals and upgrading all government-run healthcare facilities nationwide.
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, disclosed this when she met with representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health and the leadership of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, led by its national president, Dr Dele Abdullahi.
The meeting agreed on the urgent need to address the issues, including unresolved matters inherited from the previous administration.
The pressing concerns put forward by the association were inadequate compensation, delayed payments of allowances, insufficient training funds, issues with the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, IPPIS, poor working conditions and security threats, notably the recent incident at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja in Kogi State.
Reacting, the minister expressed gratitude to the association for its willingness to work together and acknowledged their recognition of the government‘s achievements in specific areas, stating the positive outcomes of their cooperation.
She said, “I had earlier heard about some of your concerns raised, and of which I deemed very serious. I share in your concerns and I am here to let you know that the government is poised to improve your standard, believing that when you are treated well, those who left our country will return, because Nigeria is the best place to stay.
” I believe that strike is the last option. That is why I wouldn‘t want to wait till strike notice is issued.
“I have heard what you have said. The good thing is that we have been very cooperative, and I will reach out to my colleagues whose offices fall within the duties of certain issues you have raised. So that we will know how to fast-track solutions.
“I am glad that you acknowledged some of the areas the Ministry of Health has addressed and how they have been ‘proactive.’ I am promising you that we have a government that is responsible and proactive. Our President is committed and pushes us to ensure that we do not leave the situation of things the way we met them.“
