NARD Chides MDCN Over Threat To Penalise Striking House Officers
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors have dismissed the threat that House Officers who joined the ongoing nationwide industrial action would be sacked or made to repeat their internship.
NARD in a Statement issued on Wednesday said the position of Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) which sought to stop House Office from joining the strike was a huge joke and product of the imagination of one man.
NARD in the Statement signed by Dr. Uyilawa Okhuaihesuyi and Dr. Jerry Isogun, its National President and SecretarySecretary described the threat as an expensive joke and imagination of one man.
“We are too busy paying keen interest in health policymaking, the welfare of our members and the delivery of international best medical practices to our patients.
The striking doctors said MDCN should stick to its limit of influence as contained in the Act establishing it and avoid dabbling into union matters that were beyond its purview.
“NARD and her members are operating within the confines of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Labour Laws of our dear country.
“The MDCN has a humongous task of regulating medical practice amidst a population laden with quackery, which he has not been able to solve and thus should stick to it.
“There are still some of our members (House Officers) who are being owed salaries despite being on the MDCN House Officers Platform.
“We are amazed that despite these loopholes and flaws in the system MDCN is managing, it should not waste time to chase shadows about how doctors express their Constitutional right to associate.
“Worthy of note is the fact that, House Officers membership of NARD has been determined by a competent Court in Nigeria and several reminder circulars have also been released by the Federal Ministry of Health,” they stated.
NARD however restated its readiness to collaborate with MDCN on areas of improved health system and workers’ welfare.
“Finally, NARD is always ready to work with the MDCN Registrar where our objectives meet, especially in improved delivery of health care.
“We will not be cajoled or blackmailed into accepting an abnormal situation because we are colleagues when we can do better,” they stated.
Dr. T.A.B Sanusi, Registrar of MDCN had said in a Statement entitled “Press Release On Professional Ethics For House Officers.” that house officers who embarked on strike will be reposted with no pay.
“During the housemanship, doctors and dentists are required to undertake 12 weeks’ uninterrupted postings in each of Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Paediatrics and other relevant specialties for dentistry.
“Embarking on strike actions by House Officers will lead to repeat of the posting(s) afresh without remuneration.
“House officers are therefore advised to avoid participation in activities like industrial actions that could lead to interruption in their postings,” he stated.
Recall that NARD commenced a nationwide indefinite strike on Monday.
