End doctors strike now, Nigerians suffering – Ooni tells FG
Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has asked the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.)-led Federal Government to end the ongoing industrial action embarked upon by the National Association of Resident Doctors “without further delay”.
Ooni made the call on Thursday at his Ile Oodua palace, Ile-Ife, during the inauguration of the South-West Traditional Leaders’ Committee on Public Health Delivery, by the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire.
Describing the strike action as highly unfortunate, the Ooni who is the Co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, noted that health workers are essential service providers who should not abandon their duty posts no matter what what.
“I am aware of your relentless efforts towards ending the strike as quick as possible but Nigerians cannot wait any further. The strike action has brought a lot of hardships to Nigerians especially the poor and other vulnerable persons who cannot afford privately owned health facilities which obviously is now the alternative,” Ooni said.
A statement from Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, also quoted the monarch as emphsising the roles of traditional rulers in efficient Public Health delivery.
“We are the closest to our people, palaces have no door and that is why it is easy for information to reach all of our subjects immediately we send them. They believe us so much too by the virtue of our tradition and we are upholding these good traits.
“The newly inaugurated Southwest Traditional Leaders’ Commitee on PHC Delivery is indeed going to formalize the enormous works of traditional rulers across Yoruba land and I can assure you that Nigerians are going to benefit immensely from this initiative,” the Ooni added.
While inaugurating the committee, Ehanire explained that in providing quality health services to Nigerians, the government recognises the indispensable roles of traditional rulers.
“As a takeoff plan, I wish to promise that a standard Primary Health Centre will be built and made functional each in all states across the SouthWest as a model and the location would be decided by this commitee.
“The facility will be equiped with standard Staff Quarters, Solar-Powered Borehole, a Keke Ambulance and other basic facilities. We are proud to be working with you and we hope to achieve a lot together,” the minister added.
