Nigerian medical association unconditionally demand reinstatement of16000 doctors who were outrightly sacked on the orders of the federal government

The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) on Friday demanded immediate reversal of yesterday’s letter by the Federal Government terminating the appointment of 16,000 resident doctors in government hospitals across the country.

Nigeria's Minister of Health, Onyebuchi Chukwu

Addressing the media in Abuja on Friday, President of NMA, Dr. Kayode Obembe said there was no way the resident doctors would accept their sack.

He urged all doctors not to pick their letters at their respective hospitals.

“NMA condemns in totality the alleged presidential directive via the Federal Ministry of Health suspending Residency Training Programme in Nigeria," Obembe said.

“NMA demands the immediate withdrawal of the suspension circular and unconditional reinstatement of the so-called sacked resident doctors.

“Government should show commitment on her part in resolving the current impasse with the NMA rather than resorting to punitive measures that will only further aggravate the already deplorable situation."

He reiterated that the association would not suspend its industrial action unless government meets its 24-point demand, adding that all attempts by the government to break the ranks of the association would be resisted.

Doctors all over the country had embarked on a five-day warning strike in December 2013 and were to proceed on an indefinite action in January. However, they suspended the plan in the hope that the Federal Government would grab the opportunity to meet their demands.

On July 1st 2014, the doctors proceeded on an indefinite strike action demanding passage of the National Health Bill and the honouring of other agreements reached by the NMA and the government.

“The Nigerian medical association is opposed to the proliferation of directors in the teaching hospital. Medical practice must be centred on patient's care," Obembe said at the time, also demanding the appointment of a Surgeon-General of the Federation.

“The moment you start adopting certain titles, it will render you useless in the performance of your duty and in your access to care of patients. I think such titles be completely removed from the health sector; that is our position."