NARD Criticizes Federal Government’s ‘No Work, No Pay’ Policy Amid Strike for Kidnapped Colleague

In a recent development, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has expressed strong disapproval of the Federal Government’s decision to enforce a ‘no work, no pay’ policy in response to the doctors’ ongoing strike. This action stems from their demand for the safe rescue of their kidnapped colleague, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, who was abducted nearly nine months ago from the National Eye Centre in Kaduna.

Dr. Kefas Wida, the Vice President II of NARD and Chairman of the Medical Education Committee, articulated the association’s stance during an interview with The PUNCH. He characterized the government’s threat to deduct seven days’ pay from the salaries of striking doctors as “insensitive” and indicative of a broader failure to address the pressing issues at hand. “As you all know what we stand for, we don’t blink when it comes to what we pursue, and we are not negotiating it,” he emphasized, underscoring the determination of resident doctors to prioritize their colleague’s safety over monetary concerns.

The warning strike, which lasted for seven days, was initiated as a direct response to the ongoing plight of Dr. Popoola. The NARD leadership views the government’s reaction—specifically the threat of salary deductions—as an attempt to suppress their advocacy for a colleague whose life hangs in the balance. “If removing from our salary will make us have our colleague back… we see this as the least sacrifice we can make to ensure that our colleague is back. Because for us, what is the whole salary to the life of our colleague?” Wida questioned, emphasizing that the value of a human life far surpasses any financial penalty.

The Vice President further criticized the government’s focus on punitive measures rather than engaging in constructive dialogue to resolve the situation. “The life of our colleague is more important than the amount of money they are going to remove from the salaries of the doctors,” he asserted. Wida highlighted the emotional turmoil faced by Dr. Popoola, noting that her suffering should not be compounded by governmental threats aimed at discouraging the doctors’ collective action.

Wida reaffirmed NARD’s commitment to their cause, declaring that they would not retreat from their demands despite the government’s threats. “Before we went on the strike, we knew those threats from the government. We are ready to pursue all our demands, we are ready for this,” he stated resolutely.

The situation surrounding Dr. Popoola’s kidnapping has been a source of distress for the medical community, sparking broader discussions about the safety and welfare of healthcare professionals in Nigeria. The NARD’s actions reflect not only their solidarity with their kidnapped colleague but also a poignant reminder of the dangers that medical workers face, especially in regions plagued by insecurity.

As the strike unfolds, the NARD remains steadfast in its resolve to advocate for Dr. Popoola’s safe return, prioritizing her life over their financial remuneration. The association’s leadership is calling for increased attention from the government and security agencies to address the underlying issues of insecurity and violence against healthcare workers, which continue to pose a significant threat to their safety and the effective delivery of healthcare services in Nigeria.

This ongoing struggle highlights the need for urgent reforms and protective measures that ensure the safety of healthcare providers, as they play a crucial role in the well-being of the population. The actions taken by the NARD serve as a clarion call for a more robust response from the government in addressing the challenges faced by medical professionals in the line of duty.