President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday Buhari urged the striking doctors and health workers to be more understanding and embrace dialogue.
Buhari said this when he met with representatives of the Nigeria Medical school (NMA) at the Presidential Villa on Friday.
In a statement by the Presidential spokesperson Femi Adesina, the president assured the health workers that all owed salaries and allowances would be paid.
“The lives of citizens that could be lost or damaged, when doctors withdraw services, are precious enough to be worth opting for peaceful resolution of differences,” he said.
“Protecting our citizens is not to be left to government alone, but taken as a collective responsibility, in which especially medical professionals play a critical role.
“Let me speak directly to the striking doctors. Embarking on industrial action at this time when Nigerians need you most is not the best action to take, no matter the grievances.”
The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) embarked on a strike on August 2 over “salary irregularities”, among other issues, while the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) have also issued ultimatums for strike.
