Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, southwest, Nigeria has commended the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) over it’s decision to call off the over two month nationwide strike in the overall interest of the generality of the citizenry.

In a statement today signed by the Senior Special Assistant on Media, SSA, Mrs Olufunmilayo Wakama,the governor noted that the decision could not have come at a better time when the nation is battling to curb the spread of the dreaded Ebola Virus, which he noted is fast becoming an epidemic.

According to the statement, “People should always find amicable ways of resolving crisis. I want to commend the leadership of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), for having found a way round the issues that led to the industrial action in the first place.

Obembe: NMA president

“I am happy that the strike has been called off at this very crucial time, when the guidance and expertise of our medical personnel are most crucial in containing the Ebola Virus”, the statement read in part.

The governor also commended the efforts of the NMA National President, Dr. Kayode Obembe, the Senate President, David Mark, as well as others who were able to prevail on the concerned parties for the favourable outcome.

He also expressed the hope that stakeholders would be able to find a final resolution of the dispute while negotiations continue

After 64 days, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) on Sunday suspended its   industrial action. 

Dr. Kayode Obembe, President NMA announced this on Sunday afternoon after an Emergency Delegates Meeting (EDM) of the association. 

The meeting was also attended by the National President of National Association of Residents Doctors (NARD) Dr. Jubril Abdullahi. 

It was learnt that the decision to call off the strike was preceded by a heated debate among members of the association, with some arguing that the industrial action should be sustained. 

But it was gathered that majority of members finally resolved that the strike should be suspended.

Consequently, the leadership of NMA directed all doctors in the state and Federal owned hospitals to resume their duty on Monday.

NMA had declared the industrial action based on 24 points demand, most of which bothered on welfare and relationship of doctors with other workers in the healthcare sector over two months ago.

But while the strike lasted, the Federal Government announced the sack of 16,000 resident doctors and cancelled residency programmes.

This led to protest in some state chapters of NMA, including Lagos, Ogun and Oyo.

The leadership of NMA however held a series of meetings with Senate President, David Mark last week after which it promised to call off the strike.