Delta State governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, gave the advise Wednesday when the leadership of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), paid him a courtesy visit in government house, Asaba.
Okowa, who showed concern with in the plights of medical workers as a colleague, said that he perfectly understands many of their concerns just as he noted that strike actions shouldn’t be their first option in revolving issues especially at a time the country is battling with Covid-19 pandemic.
According to the governor, “As a medical doctor, we always think about the health of our patients. As a Governor, I have always put the development of our people first.
“This is why, earlier today when I received the leadership of the National Association of Resident Doctors at the Government House, I emphasized that I understand many of their concerns — especially as it relates to their ongoing discussions with the federal government.
“On one hand, I believe that as we battle with #COVID19 across the nation, healthcare professionals should see strike actions as a last resort— otherwise, it is the poorer citizens who have no other options that suffer the most”.
Okowa, who took to his Facebook account, urged government to ensure that promises made to healthcare workers are fulfilled as they are in the frontline in fighting the virus.
Hear him: “On another, the government must always work to keep its promises to our healthcare workers. This is because they are the brave men and women who stand on the frontlines and protect us in pandemics and other healthcare emergencies.
“Moving forward, it is my hope that the vital concerns of healthcare workers are adequately addressed to allow them to continue to provide the best possible treatment for all our citizens”.
“As they convene for their Annual General Meeting here in Delta State, I wish the resident doctors a fruitful deliberation, and urge them to continue to work to uphold the standards of the medical profession”, the governor advised.
