The health sector plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and quality of life for all individuals in Nigeria. As a fundamental pillar of any society, the health sector encompasses a broad range of services and facilities aimed at promoting and maintaining physical and mental health. From preventive care and health education to medical treatment and emergency services, the impact of the health sector extends to every Nigerian, regardless of their age, social status, or location. It is a sector that directly influences the overall development and progress of the nation, not only by addressing the health needs of individuals and families, but also by contributing to economic growth, social stability, and human capital development. The Niger chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) says it is fully in support of the nationwide indefinite strike by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).On Tuesday night, the resident doctors embarked on a nationwide indefinite strike to request improved welfare for members and an improved health sector.Yusuf Mohammed, the Niger NMA chairman, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna on Friday.“We are fully in support of the strike because the Federal Government refused to abide by the agreement reached with NARD,” stated the NMA chairman. “They issued several warnings, but the government refused to listen, prompting the strike. The Niger state chapter of the NMA is solidly behind the strike by NARDs.”Mr Mohammed said the doctors’ demands included immediate payment of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) and payment of the arrears of consequential adjustment of minimum to the omitted doctors.Others are the immediate release of the circular on one-for-one replacement of the health workers, payment of skipping arrears, and upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), among others.He appealed to President Bola Tinubu’s government to meet up with the resident doctors’ demands to boost their morale and aid them put in more efforts to improve the health sector.The Niger NMA chairman said the Niger NARD had since joined their colleagues in the nationwide strike.
Source: People’s Gazette
