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.