The Minister of State for Health, Dr Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora, on Tuesday, August 3, pleaded with the leadership of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to come back to the negotiating table to address outstanding issues.

The minister, who appealed to NARD at the opening ceremony of this year’s Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), FCT chapter, in Abuja, said President Muhammadu Buhari was taking every necessary step to strengthen Nigeria’s response to re-emerging infectious diseases through the provision of medical infrastructure.

The appeal is coming following NARD’s nationwide indefinite strike, which started on Monday to press home the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding it entered into with the Federal Government in March 2021 on welfare and other issues that affect members.

“I encourage you to ensure industrial peace in the health sector so that citizens can reap maximum benefits from your efforts.

“In saying this, there can’t be a better time and opportunity for me to appeal to doctors who’re currently on strike.

“My appeal is that they return to the negotiating table so that whatever outstanding issues can be sorted out. That’s my passionate appeal to all our colleagues.

“Even in times of war, the combatants at the end of the day come to the roundtable for the amicable resolution of issues. That’s my appeal to our colleagues all over the country who are currently engaged in the strike for the benefit of our people.

“President Muhammadu Buhari is taking all necessary steps to strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness and response to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases through the provision of medical infrastructure” the minister assured.