Nigeria’s Federal Government has lifted the suspension on residency training in all federal hospitals with effect from Thursday 28 August. At the same time government reinstated resident doctors given the boot 14 August.

A statement Friday  by  Mr Dan Nwomeh, Special Assistant on Media and Communication to the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu  said the ongoing appraisal of the programme would continue.

It added that the federal government had also reinstated all resident doctors that were disengaged with effect from the same date.

 “Accordingly, all Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of the training centres are directed to issue letters of reinstatement to all the resident doctors to enable them to resume work immediately’’, it said. 

The statement urged the resident doctors to see the magnanimity of government in reinstating them as a goodwill gesture to engender greater commitment and dedication to their duties. 

The federal government suspended residency training on  14  August following the strike embarked upon by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) on July 1.  The move was widely criticised by the NMA and the general public.

The reversal of the sack order earned the prompt praise of Dr Kayode Obembe, National President, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

Obembe applauded government decision when he announced it to members of the association during an Executive Council meeting in Awka.

He said the action of the federal government was a welcomed development, adding that the association had been hopeful that government would reverse its decision after the suspension was announced.

“The Minister of Health has withdrawn the sack letters issued to our members with effect from Aug. 28.

“This will go a long way in strengthening our resolve to help meet the medical needs of the nation as we have been working to provide a visible solution to contain the deadly Ebola virus,” he said.

Dr Eric Anazodo, Chairman of the association, Anambra branch, also hailed the development, saying it was a step in the right direction.