The Management of federal tertiary hospitals in Nigeria have been directed to replace resident doctors with members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in order to maintain routine services.

The Nigerian minister of health, Osagie Ehanire gave this directive in a statement as part of efforts to “mitigate the effect” of the strike by resident doctors across the country.

The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) had embarked on a nationwide strike on Monday over the non-payment of their COVID-19 hazard allowance and other demands.

The association in a statement signed by the President, Dr. Aliyu Sokomba, Secretary, Dr. Bilqis Mohammad, and the Publicity Secretary, Dr. Egbogu Stanley, disclosed that the strike has begun after the 21-day ultimatum given to the Federal Government elapsed on August 17.

According to the Association, the Federal Government is yet to implement the residency funding, coronavirus allowance, hazard allowance, and also outstanding salary shortfall of 2014, 2015, and 2016.

Ehanire reminded the doctors that their primary responsibility is to save lives, adding that it is expected of them to work together to confront COVID-19, “the common enemy”.

RNI reporter in Maiduguri Amina Abbagaba says that the statement made by the Minister has generated huge concerns by citizens, calling for his resignation

A retired health worker in Maiduguri Musa Bulama stated that the decision taken by the resident doctors was made at a wrong time with COVID-19 still ravaging the country, called on government to suspend the initial plan to replace the striking doctors with what he referred to ‘in-experienced’ youth service corps members

Public affairs analysts describe corruption in the health sector as major reason behind government-health workers misunderstanding in the country advocate for immediate and critical review of the sector.