The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has waded in on the looming industrial action by Resident Doctors in the country.
According to the Speaker who made this known in a release issued on Monday, the resident doctors honored an invitation by him to resolve their grievances.
In the light of recent hike in petroleum products in the country and economic hardship, the medical practitioners had made certain requests from the Federal Government in order to continue work as usual, otherwise, they have threatened to go on a nationwide strike.
While the details of the meeting is yet undisclosed, Mr Speaker said the meeting was concluded within closed-door.
Some of their requests include:
– Payment of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund.
– Upward review of Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and salary arrears dating back to 2015
The release by Speaker Abbas read, “The members of the National Association of Resident Doctors honoured the invitation of the Speaker as an affirmation of their faith and confidence in his capacity to intervene and resolve lingering issues in dispute.
“The 9th Assembly intervened in this matter and recorded some successes, but the 10th Assembly assures to go beyond the steps and actions taken by the previous House to ensure there is lasting solution.
“The Speaker acknowledged the many sacrifices Resident Doctors continue to make in the Health Sector in the face of daunting challenges and poor working conditions which has led to the exodus of many of their colleagues. Those who have chosen to remain with us must be commended and fully compensated.
“Mr. Speaker encouraged the doctors to bare their minds and not hold back on the issues at stake and proffer realistic solutions.
“While coming up solutions however, we must pay mind to the availability of revenue and some form of middle ground that leaves smile on every face must be prepared.
“Mr. Speaker acknowledged some of their well known demands;
● Payment of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund.
● Upward review of Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and salary arrears dating back to 2015.
“These issues and more can and will be resolved without embarking on an industrial actions especially if we acknowledge the fact that this government is new and not with Ministers yes.
“Patience is required for amicable resolutions to be reached.
“They went into a Closed-Door meeting afterwards.”
