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The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziak Salako, stated that a confrontational approach is not effective in addressing the industrial disputes between the Federal Government and the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
Salako made this remark on Wednesday during an interview on ‘Sunrise Daily’, a program aired on Channels Television, which was monitored by DAILY POST.
His comments were in response to the proposed strike by resident doctors scheduled for January 12.
“It is important to understand that a militant approach will not resolve this issue. There are two fundamental principles that we, as a government, have been trying to incorporate into our discussions regarding welfare and industrial harmony within the health sector.
“One of these principles is collective bargaining and the establishment of consensus before reaching any agreement.
“Over the years, we have witnessed that when agreements are not founded on consensus and negotiation, and when discussions are held with doctors alone without considering the implications for nurses or JOHESU, it leads to recurring strike negotiations.
“The health sector operates as a team. Actions taken towards nurses ultimately impact doctors.
“Therefore, it is essential for us to ensure that every time we intend to reach an agreement, there is a consensus built around that agreement.
“This was evident last July when a circular was issued to increase professional allowances for health workers. The doctors raised concerns and threatened to strike, prompting us to retract the circular.
“We then initiated a new process where all parties were included in discussions, and ultimately, a circular was released in November that was acceptable to everyone,” he concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Minister's view on the proposed strike by resident doctors?
The Minister believes that a confrontational approach will not effectively resolve the issues at hand and emphasizes the importance of collective bargaining and consensus in negotiations.
What principles does the government advocate for in negotiations?
The government advocates for collective bargaining and building consensus among all stakeholders in the health sector before reaching any agreements.
How has the government responded to previous strikes?
In response to past strikes, the government has retracted certain circulars and engaged in more inclusive discussions to ensure that all parties are considered in the decision-making process.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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