President Tinubu Approves Waiver of “No Work, No Pay” Order for Resident Doctors

President Bola Tinubu has invoked the Principle of the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy to grant a waiver of the “No Work, No Pay” Order imposed on striking members of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) since August 1, 2023. This decision comes in the wake of fruitful deliberations and constructive engagements between the Federal Government and NARD, which led to the suspension of the doctors’ industrial action on August 12, 2023.

The “No Work, No Pay” Order had been put in place following the commencement of the NARD strike on July 26, 2023. During the 17 days of their strike, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation was directed to withhold the salaries of striking NARD members.

However, President Tinubu’s approval of this exceptional waiver signifies a turning point. It paves the way for the withheld salaries to be disbursed to the Resident Doctors, provided certain conditions are met. The President’s directive includes a mandatory requirement for the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to establish a Document of Understanding (DoU). This DoU is expected to outline that this waiver will be the last one granted to the National Association of Resident Doctors and all other Health Sector Unions.

The President’s decision to grant this waiver underscores the government’s commitment to resolving the issues at hand and ensuring that the healthcare system remains stable and responsive to the needs of the Nigerian people. It also acknowledges the importance of cooperation between healthcare professionals and the government in delivering quality healthcare services to the citizens.

This move is seen as a positive step towards reconciliation and a means to ensure the sustainability of the healthcare system in Nigeria. The President’s approval reflects a balance between the legitimate demands of healthcare workers and the responsibilities of the government in providing essential services to the public.

As the nation looks forward to the full resolution of the issues within the healthcare sector, this exceptional waiver serves as a significant milestone, and it is hoped that all parties will continue to engage in productive dialogue to foster a harmonious working relationship for the betterment of the nation’s healthcare system.