Pending the resolution of the ongoing strike by the National Association of Resident Doctors, the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, has directed chief medical directors and medical directors of federal hospitals to immediately engage the services of locum doctors to augment the services of consultants, National Youth Service Corps doctors and medical doctors on internship.
The order was contained in a circular with Ref. No. C. 3132/Vol. V/116, addressed to all CMDs/MDs of federal tertiary health institutions across the country.
Adewole said the move became imperative in order to reduce the increased workload of consultants, NYSC doctors and house officers, thereby preventing reduction in quality of service delivery to patients.
The minister had earlier approved the use of armed forces, police and the Federal Road Safety Corps in health facilities to ensure the continuous delivery of health care services across the country.
He said, “Consultants are to work overtime as we continue negotiations with the National Association of Resident Doctors today. No one should die because our colleagues are on strike.”
