DOCTORS' WARNING: FG Must Avert The Indefinite Strike By Honouring Its Pact With Them

For Two days last week, doctors in federal hospitals across the country went on a warning strike over the Federal Government's failure to pay doctors in its employ the mutually agreed upon Consolidated Medical salary Structure (CMSS). The physicians initially advocated for a Medical Scale (MSS) which the government turned down.

President, Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Lagos Chapter, Dr Yemi Raji warned that they may commence an indefinite strike in another 21 days, if their demands are not met.

The government promised to begin implementation of the CMSS in January. Two months after, the hope of respecting the sanctity of that agreement, looks forlorn. The doctors, out of sheer exasperation must have been compelled to, once again, consider strike as an option which sadly, had not touched the conscience of those in the corridors of power in the past.

In previous strikes embarked upon by doctors, lives were lost since those in critical conditions rushed to hospitals had no doctors to attend to them while those on admission died from lack of experts' attention. This is symptomatic of a systemic failure.

We sympathize with the doctors and also share their sentiments for an improved welfare package. No doubt, doctors in public service in the nation's healthcare deserve to be well taken care of. Unfortunately, the reverse is the case as successive administrations have turned deaf ears not only to the plight of doctors, but also the overall wellbeing of hospitals in the country. Patients, millions of whom need doctors' millions of whom need doctors' consideration suffer the battle of wits between the doctors and government.

The sad thing is that human lives so well treated in civilized countries are so carelessly handled here.

No wonder we experience a serious brain drain. For example, a good number of foreign doctors in the United States are Nigerians who migrated there because of the scornful manner members of their profession are treated at home. The US case is replicated in other countries where skilled Nigerians traveled to in search of greener pasture, since their home government has failed to provide an enabling environment for their personal development.

If indeed health is wealth, no serious nation can afford to ignore doctors and other medical personnel that guarantee the substance of good health. Incessant strike by doctors, precipitated by unresponsive government culture underscores the unseriousness of the nation and should be condemned and stopped forthwith.

We call on the government to accede to the demands of the doctors for the sake of the sanctity of contract and that of human lives. Why should the government, at this point, renege on an agreement it voluntarily entered into? It should henceforth endeavour to engineer public confidence and trust in the manner it deals with citizens and associations existing within its territory.

The continuing apathy of government towards the demands of doctors in the country is worrisome.

The truth is that no hospital can effectively discharge its function of attending to the health needs of people without at least a well motivated resident doctor on call. Even if it is against the Hippocratic Oath of doctors to go on strike, to get them to be committed to their duties, they deserve to be adequately remunerated which is what they, through their association, ARD, is demanding from government.

The culture of official neglect of doctors and other professionals is a reflection of the self-centred proclivity of those in power. Mindful of the ingrained bad state of healthcare in the country, leaders in power travel at pubic expense for medical attention abroad where governments are more responsible and responsive to the medical desires and needs of citizens. Ailing President Umaru Yar' Adua was away for three months abroad to treat himself for an ailment that should have been treated in the country were its fortunes well utilized by past and present leadership, in ensuring world class standard in our hospitals. If doctors overseas go on strike as a result of official neglect, our rulers will have no place to go to take care of their health.

Notwithstanding, we appeal to the doctors to reconsider their threat to go on full strike after the expiration of 21 days ultimatum given to government. However, Acting President Jonathan Goodluck must personally intervene in the doctors' crisis by using his good office to effect the implementation of the CMSS agreement. How he handles the warning strike will be a test case of how much he cares for human lives, and this would distinguish him from his predecessors in office.
- The Nation of 7/3/2010