x

Nigeria doctors launch latest strike amid pandemic

Doctors in Nigeria’s largest city Lagos began a three-day warning strike on Monday over welfare and inadequate protective kits, but said medics handling coronavirus cases would not be involved.

The industrial action is the latest in a string of stoppages by medics to hit Africa’s most populous nation as it struggles to halt rising infections.

Doctors under the auspices of the Medical Guild Association said they called the strike after the Lagos state government failed to meet demands for additional pay and better protection.

“The issue of COVID-19 hazard allowances and inducement allowances… approved by the federal government to the doctors has not been approved by Lagos government to her doctors,” leader Oluwajimi Sodipo said in a statement.

He said the stoppage would not include members working in coronavirus isolation wards despite a backlog in their wages.

“Doctors working in COVID-19 isolation centres are still being owed two months; salaries which have remained unpaid at the moment,” he said.

“Our members are putting themselves on the line daily to provide care, and we need to do everything to protect our colleagues.”

The statement urged government to provide enough personal protective equipment, prompt testing of health workers and insurance.

Nigeria has so far recorded over 32,500 cases and 740 deaths from the virus.

Lagos, the country’s largest city of 20 million inhabitants, accounts for the bulk of the cases.

More than 800 health workers have been infected by the virus, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

The Nigerian Medical Association — the country’s main doctors body — has launched or threatened a series of strikes during the pandemic over welfare and safety.

Repeated governments in Africa’s biggest oil producer have been accused of underfunding the health sector and experts warn it risks being overwhelmed if virus cases surge.

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalist As...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

Dhul Hijja: FCT Pilgrims Admonished To Deepen Worship During Sacred Days

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju Pilgrims from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)...

Education Secretariat Absorbs FCT Schools From Religious Indoctrination

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju The Federal Capital Territory, Education Secretariat of...

Water Plants Rehabilitation, Reason for FCT Water Shortage , Wike Explains

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory...

world Communication Day: Pope, Elue, Delta Speaker Hail Media

By Ane Azuka  Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt...

igoche Mark Backs Athletes’ Insurance, Condoles Kano

Mr. Igoche Mark, a prominent basketball promoter and the...

Nwuche Praise Tinubu, Wike For Abuja’s Transformational Development

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju A former Deputy Speaker of the House...

We’ll Soon Appoint Permanent Secretaries – Oborevwori

... Lauds HoS for Her Integrity By Anne Azuka Governor, Sheriff...

Bayelsa Raises Minimum Wage, Invests in Infrastructure

Amgbare Ekaunkumo,Yenagoa  The Bayelsa State Government has begun implementing the...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img