From Winifred Bosa , Lagos.

Government hospital officials has been directed  to ensure strict enforcement of the Federal Government’s “No Work No pay” policy in their  various institutions on striking members of National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) .\

The ministry of health in a circular signed by the Head, Department of Hospital Services Dr. Wapada I. Balami, handed down this directive to all chief medical directors and medical directors of government hospitals .

“You may recall that Mr. President has just recently flagged off the National Health Act (NHA) 2014 which provides that Health is an essential service. Therefore, any strike in the Health Sector is illegal. Please you are to provide update on the strike as it affects your institution,” the ministry noted.

Thereby the Ministry enjoined the hospitals to provide critical services like accident and emergency, Labour, Intensive care Unit, amongst others by legal means including employment of Locum staff.

“You are also directed to ensure security of lives and property of every one including patients and staff. All members of staff who are willing to work must be allowed to go about their duties unhindered and unmolested.”

It would be recalled that the resident doctors commenced a seven-day warning strike on January 19 , to enforce their demand for a uniform template for the Residency Programme, infrastructure for tertiary health facilities, proper grading of doctors and payment of outstanding salaries, amongst other issues.