The Federal Government has urged health workers to resolve ongoing strikes, citing the disruptions as major obstacles to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako made the appeal at the 65th National Council on Health (NCH) in Maiduguri, Borno State. He emphasised the need for robust dialogue among stakeholders to stabilise the sector and prevent further strikes.
Salako highlighted that the strikes, including the ongoing action by the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), disrupt critical healthcare services and hinder reforms. MDCAN’s seven-day warning strike, which began on November 18, 2024, stemmed from unmet demands by the Federal Government.
Despite disruptions in elective services, hospitals in Abuja and Lagos continue to provide emergency and critical care. The strike is set to end on November 24, 2024 unless interventions resolve the crisis.
MDCAN members, comprising medical and dental specialists, are integral to healthcare delivery, research and the training of medical professionals in tertiary and secondary facilities across the country.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the underlying issues while appealing for cooperation to advance Nigeria’s healthcare goals.
