The Federal Government says the Nigeria health sector has remained stable for more than two years, with no major disruption to healthcare delivery nationwide. Officials linked the stability to consistent dialogue, planning, and reforms introduced by the current administration.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, made this known on Sunday while speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics. Accordingly, he said the Nigeria health sector recorded relative harmony during the period.
“I have to say that in the last two and a half years, we experienced relative harmony,” Pate said.
“We have not had major disruptions in services, except for the period where resident doctors — not the medical association, not the Medical and Dental Consultants — only the trainee physicians, took on issues that were legacy issues for a very long time.”
FG Links Nigeria Health Sector Stability to Welfare Reforms
Furthermore, Pate said the Tinubu administration continues to improve the welfare of doctors and other health workers. He explained that the government now focuses on better conditions of service across all levels of the Nigeria health sector.
He stressed that reforms require careful planning. Therefore, he urged patience while the government implements long-term solutions.
“You don’t do things like that off the head,” he said, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to a strong and functional health system.
Dialogue Key to Industrial Peace in Nigeria Health Sector
In addition, the minister said dialogue remains the most effective way to address labour disputes. He noted that while the government listens to health workers, it cannot meet all demands at once.
“You cannot expect that all that you asked for will be done,” he said, emphasising mutual understanding.
Resident Doctors Suspend Strike After Talks
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors suspended its nationwide strike on November 30 after talks with the Federal Government.
“The National Executive Council of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has resolved to suspend the ongoing total, indefinite, and comprehensive strike action,” NARD President, Mohammad Suleiman, said in a statement shared on X.
As a result, resident doctors returned to work after signing a memorandum of understanding with the government. They had begun the strike on November 1 over pay, salary arrears, staffing gaps, working conditions, and medical infrastructure.
