Debts genuinely owed Health Workers will be settled, Buhari assures Doctors

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured that every debt owed to health workers will be settled as he asked them to reconsider their stand on industrial action.

The President made this assurance when he met with representatives of NMA on Friday. According to a statement by Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, Buhari also urged the health workers to be more understanding and embrace dialogue.

“The lives of citizens that could be lost or damaged, when doctors withdraw services, are precious enough to be worth opting for peaceful resolution of differences,’’ he said.

“Protecting our citizens is not to be left to government alone, but taken as a collective responsibility, in which especially medical professionals play a critical role.

“Let me speak directly to the striking doctors. Embarking on industrial action at this time when Nigerians need you most is not the best action to take, no matter the grievances.

“This administration has a good track record of paying all debts owed to government workers, pensioners and contractors and we have even revisited debts left by past administrations, once due verification is done. Debts genuinely owed health workers will be settled.

“I learnt that some of the 12 points demand in the ongoing strike were already addressed, though the review of a new hazard allowance has not been fully negotiated because of the sharp and deep division within the ranks of the striking doctors.’’