The National Association of Government General Medical
and Dental Practitioners has asked Osun State Governor,
Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, to withdraw the threat to sack
doctors who are currently on strike.
The President, NAGG.MDP, Dr. Nurud-din Akindele, said
this in Osogbo on Thursday at a press conference to
address the association over the seven-day ultimatum
given the doctors on December 18.
Members of Association of Resident Doctors and doctors
in the state government-owned hospitals have been on
strike since September 28 over unpaid salary issues.
The state government has been paying all workers 50
per cent of their salaries since June but the doctors said
they wanted the state government to reach an
agreement on when to pay the balance.
Akindele said, “The government of Osun State should, as
a matter of urgency and in the interest of the public,
invest in equipping the hospitals with up-to-date
equipment, provide adequate manpower and make the
work environment more conducive.
“Government should withdraw their threat of sacking the
doctors who are only demanding that which is their
legitimate rights under labour laws.
“Government should put in place appropriate
machineries to address the issues listed as a matter of
urgency and in public interest.
“Failure of government to do the listed may result in us
having no choice but to mobilise all doctors in all health
institutions, such as teaching hospitals, private
hospitals and local government hospitals in Osun State
to embark on a total and indefinite withdrawal of
service. “
The NAGG called on citizens of the state to prevail on
Aregbesola to drop the threat or be ready for a total and
indefinite strike of all doctors throughout the state.