FG Okays 50% Electricity Subsidy For Public Hospitals

• Says electricity tariff hike affects only 1.5 million customers nationwide

• To Enforce 'No Work, No Pay' Policy as NARD Embarks on 7-Day Strike

 

Tayo Busayo, Abuja 

DAILY COURIER - The Federal Government has approved a 50% electricity subsidy for public hospitals across the country.

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa, announced this on Thursday at the National Neo-Psychiatric Hospital in Barnawa, Kaduna State.

The minister commissioned the Electronic Health Records and Alternative Power Supply at the Lawal Jafaru Isah Emergency Complex and the solarisation project at the dialysis unit, which includes a solar-powered borehole and a 10.2 KVA inverter at the Abdulkareem Jika Yusuf COVID-19 Intervention Centre in the state.

Alausa said this gesture aims to reduce the running costs for public hospitals and alleviate the impact on patients.

He also announced plans to rename the hospitals as Specialist Hospitals to broaden healthcare service delivery.

“We are going to change the names of our Federal Hospitals to Specialist Hospitals to expand care delivery and destigmatize hospitals so that everybody can come here. While the core services will remain psychiatric, this re-naming will allow for the continuous expansion of services,” he said.

Alausa noted that the warning strike by resident doctors is complicating efforts to secure the release of kidnapped doctor Ganiyat Popoola from the hospital staff quarters.

He appealed for calm and assured the hospital management that the abducted doctor would return soon.

Federal Government to Enforce 'No Work, No Pay' Policy as NARD Embarks on 7-Day Strike

Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has expressed strong disappointment over the decision by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to commence a seven-day warning strike, despite ongoing negotiations and government efforts to address their concerns.

In a statement issued by Ado Bako, Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations on August 29, 2024, the Ministry criticized NARD for disregarding multiple attempts by the Federal Government to resolve the issues amicably. "The Ministry will not relent in its efforts to guarantee the safety, improve the welfare, and working conditions of all healthcare workers, including resident doctors," the statement read, emphasizing the significant progress made in recent discussions.

The Ministry also highlighted its collaboration with security agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), to ensure the immediate and safe rescue of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, an issue that has been central to NARD's concerns. According to the Ministry, high-level discussions are ongoing, and there is confidence that these efforts will yield a positive outcome.

However, the Ministry has taken a firm stance on the strike, announcing the implementation of the "No Work, No Pay" policy in accordance with existing labor laws. The government stated that it would withhold salaries for the duration of the strike, a move intended not to undermine the doctors' legitimate concerns but to prevent the disruption of essential healthcare services.

The Ministry reiterated its commitment to resolving the crisis through dialogue and urged NARD members to return to the negotiation table to find lasting solutions to the challenges facing the healthcare sector.

As the strike continues, the Federal Government's decision to enforce the "No Work, No Pay" policy is expected to be a critical factor in the ongoing negotiations, as both sides seek to balance the demands of healthcare workers with the need to maintain uninterrupted medical services for the public.