The end to the strike by the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, is not in sight, as efforts being made by the contending parties are yet to produce any positive result.
The Chairman of the Rivers State branch of NMA, Dr. Ibitrokoemi Korubo gave this indication in an interview with DailyPost.
Korubo said the decision to continue with the strike is difficult, considering the sensitive nature of the health sector.
He debunked claims by the Minister of Health, Onyebuchi Chukwu that the Federal Government made efforts to avert the industrial action.
The NMA Chairman insisted on the need to sanitize the sector for the overall well-being of the nation.
According to Korubo, “I cannot hold the brief for the Minister of Health but I think somebody in his position should be cautious of his words.
“The strike was called after due consideration and a decision was taken by the emergency delegates of the NMA nationwide. So only them will determine whether the strike or the withdrawal of services will be called off.
“The Minister is not saying the truth. You cannot be negotiating on the pages of newspaper and all that. That is not where you negotiate with people”.
He appealed to Nigerians to bear with the striking doctors, as dialogue with government continues.
Korubo, however, assured that emergency cases could still be handled despite the strike.
“The withdrawal of services that NMA nationwide had embarked upon is a difficult decision but it is a decision that had to be taken.
“The Health sector in Nigeria is not in the rightful place. There is a lot of confusion concerning policies of government that ultimately affects the outcome of patients.
“The doctors are responsible for their patients. It will be irresponsible to stay in a place where you know at the end of the day your patient won’t get the best. It is for that singular reason that we had to take that difficult decision.
“It is difficult. We also feel it, but it must be done. This is an opportunity for this country to define what the Health sector in this country will look like from now to the next 50 years.
“We are appealing to the people to have little patience so that we can solve this problem once and for all so that patients can begin to get the best from us”, Korubo pleaded.
.
Comments