The Kano State branch of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has decided not to participate in the ongoing nationwide strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). Medical practitioners in the city affirmed that they will continue to provide services despite the labor strike affecting various sectors.
Reports indicate that numerous establishments, including banks, hospitals, airports, and government offices, have been closed nationwide due to the indefinite strike called by organized labor.
SEE ALSO: Labor Strike Over Minimum Wage: Union Members Close Down Lagos FIRS Office Chase Out Staff With Cane.[photos]
The nationwide strike was initiated by organized labor to push for the implementation of a N494,000 minimum wage by the federal government.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, had earlier expressed concerns that meeting the N494,000 minimum wage demand could have severe economic repercussions and impact the welfare of millions of Nigerians.
The National Assembly leadership’s efforts to prevent the strike were unsuccessful, leading to widespread mobilization of union affiliates.
However, today (Monday), the Secretary of the NMA in Kano, Dr. Abdurrahman Ali, emphasized that the NMA is a professional organization separate from the NLC and will not participate in any strike actions.
“All doctors and medical practitioners will be on duty at their various hospitals. This may not be 100 percent, but we are not part of it. Of course, you may go there and find that the person responsible for your file is also away, but our members are on the ground,” he told Daily Trust.
It was reported earlier that patients at some public hospitals were stranded as most units are providing minimal services.
SEE ALSO: Labour Party Advocates for Wage Negotiations Over Strikes to Avert Further Hardship
