There Will Be No Strike by Doctors, FG Declares

There Will Be No Strike by Doctors, FG Declares

The federal government on Tuesday declared that there would be no strike by doctors in the country notwithstanding threat by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to down tool after the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum given to the government last Monday.

NARD had accused government of alleged negligence and arbitrariness over non-payment of salaries, reckless sack of its members and poor health care infrastructure around the country.

But speaking to journalists in Abuja at the launch of new guidelines for regulatory activities by the National Agency for Food and Drugs  Administration Control (NAFDAC), Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, said government would do everything it can to prevent any strike in the sector.

"I am not aware of it yet. When I get to know, I will address it. You know I am a former member of NARD and I was also the general secretary of the group. So, I can handle my people.  Leave us to handle that as I assure you that there will be no strike," the minister noted.

Adewole explained that the government was already working out modalities to reposition the health sector for optimum results, stressing that strike is the least distraction Nigeria should face now.

He also announced the ban on importion of Mosquito treated nets and insecticides into the country.

According to Adewole, "There is absolutely no reason for importation of Mosquito treated nets and insecticides from Tanzania."

NAFDAC acting Director General, Mrs. Yetunde Oni, said the launch of the new guidelines was aimed at strengthening the agency to ensure effective regulation of the pharmaceutical industry and monitor the efficacy of products in the country.

Oni explained that "given the scientific nature of the operations of NAFDAC, it is expected that we would regularly engage in activities to sharpen delivery on our mandate through availability of adequate tools to enhance productivity. These guidelines aid compliance by stakeholders and make regulatory activities seamless between regulators and the regulated."

She said the guidelines clearly spelt out details on regulations and how they are to be implemented in line with relevant laws and extant statutes.

World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative, Dr. Rui Vaz, stressed that the organisation would continue to support Nigeria to enhance its capacity to regulate the pharmaceutical industry, with emphasis on quality and standardisation.