Nigerian Medical Association Begins Strike In Benue

- The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Benue state chapter has announced an indefinite strike

- The commissioner of health has said the strike is politically motivated and a calculated attempt to sabotage

- This was sequel to an earlier seven-day warning strike, which expired last Wednesday

On Thursday, October 12, the NMA, Benue state chapter declared an indefinite strike. This was following the expiration of an earlier seven-day warning strike, which expired last Wednesday, October 4.

Dr Cecilia Ojabo, the state Commissioner for Health has said the strike was politically motivated, illegal, uncalled for and a calculated attempt to sabotage the healthcare delivery efforts of the government.

According to Vanguard, In a statement declaring the strike, signed by the state NMA chairman and secretary, Dr Obekpa Obekpa and Dr Nwaeze Chukwuemeka, the body expressed dissatisfaction over the alleged subversive roles of some of its members in the course of the warning strike, and has been referred to the association’s disciplinary committee for necessary action.

Meanwhile, the federal government has banned medical doctors working in public service from engaging in private practice.

The ban which was announced on Wednesday, October 11, was taken at the Federal Executive Council, (FEC) meeting presided by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The minister of health, Isaac Adewole, who briefed reporters about the ban, said the federal government will henceforth implement the doctrine of no work no pay which was contained in the nation’s law for workers embarking on strike.