The Federal Government has assured medical doctors and other healthcare workers that their outstanding seven months’ salary arrears will be paid before the end of August, in a bid to avert a nationwide strike.
Health Minister Prof. Ali Pate gave the assurance in Abuja during a meeting with leaders of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
The intervention follows a 21-day ultimatum from the NMA and a recently suspended warning strike by NANNM. Pate said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to resolving welfare and systemic issues in the health sector.
NMA President Prof. Bala Audu and JOHESU President Comrade Kabiru Minjibir welcomed the pledge but urged swift action to avert industrial action.
Stakeholders called on the government to honour its commitments to maintain industrial harmony and prevent service disruptions in hospitals nationwide.
