NMA, resident doctors knock Abiodun over comment on strike

The Nigeria Medical Association, Ogun State chapter and the South-West caucus of the Association of Resident Doctors, on Monday, attacked the state governor, Dapo Abiodun, for berating doctors at the Olabisi Onabanjo Teaching Hospital, Sagamu.

The NMA said it was disappointed and ashamed of the governor for calling its members irresponsible for demanding their rights.

The NARD South-West stated its position in a statement by its leader, Dr Oiwoh Sebastine, to journalists in Abeokuta on Monday.

The NARD caucus comprising members in Ogun, Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states said the doctors’ demand was in line with international best practices needed for the care of the entire populace.

Abiodun was reported to have described the strike embarked upon by the Resident Doctors at the OOUTH, Sagamu, as irresponsible and politically motivated.

But the NMA on Monday expressed disappointment over the governor’s comment.

The NMA chairman, Ismail Lawal, said he was ashamed over the comment made by the governor.

He lamented that political leaders were fond of making doctors to beg for their rights.

 Lawal said, “I am ashamed and disappointed. It implies that we are already grooming a constituted authority in the state. At our level, I believe that any doctor who passed through medical school for a minimum of six years to get NBBS, that person should have something to offer.

 “It is unbecoming of political officers to see your asking for your rights as if they are doing you a favour.”

The NMA chairman urged the governor to implement the recommendations of a committee set up to look into the crisis at the OOUTH.

The NARD in its statement stated that without going pedestrian, the demand of the Ogun State doctors was not misplaced especially as the time of COVID-19 pandemic with Ogun State being one of the epicentres in Nigeria.

It added, “Surprisingly, owing to the outmost respect our members have for the seat of power in the state, our members had expected that His  Excellency, the governor of Ogun State will carefully holistically and needed pragmatism look into the demands devoid of any emotional blackmail

“But the use of unprintable words by the governor is in the least unbefitting and unacceptable from the occupant of that exalted seat