The Minister of Labor and productivity, Dr Chris Ngige says the decision by the National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, to embark on the ongoing strike was incurring more pains on common Nigerians and further decapitating the already fragile healthcare system in the country.
The Minister stated this at the second summit of the Medical Elders Forum organized by the African Health Budget Network in Abuja.
Dr Ngige who described the medical profession as one of the oldest, urged the Doctors not to play “God” by denying their services to Nigerians and reconsider their position.
He explained that such actions were further creating discomfort to the nation noting that the Medical profession was in grave danger.
On his part, the President of the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, Professor Innocent Ujah while calling for more support from the medical elders forum to the profession urged practitioners at the helm of affairs to also get involved in issues bothering the practice to galvanize support for better resolution.
In a keynote address on Medical profession: a look into the past, present and future, the Emir of Shonga, Dr Halliru Yahaya who x-rayed the Medical profession through the years noted that it could be one of the best in the world if better Strategies are been put in place.
The Executive Director, of the African Health Budget Network, Dr. Aminu Magashi proposed solutions to the challenges of Nigeria’s health Sector which include improved Government commitment to adequate budgeting for health and improved responsiveness of Government to demands of health professionals.
RADIO NIGERIA