Amid ongoing industrial tensions over long working hours, locum practices, and residency certification delays, the Federal Government has inaugurated two high-level ministerial committees to address disputes in the health sector.
Deputy Minister of Health, Iziaq Salako, who inaugurated the panels, said the move is part of broader efforts to reform the healthcare system, protect health workers and ensure patient safety. He noted that prolonged work hours and inconsistent locum engagement have repeatedly strained relations with health sector unions.
The first panel, the Work Hour and Locum Engagement Committee, will conduct a nationwide review of duty schedules, assess impacts on staff wellbeing and patient outcomes, and develop a national policy. The committee is expected to submit its first report within 12 weeks.
The second committee will focus on residency training and certification, including timely issuance of membership certificates for resident doctors.
Salako described the committees’ work as part of a “new deal” for health professionals, aimed at reducing industrial unrest and strengthening healthcare delivery. Committee chairs pledged to carry out their assignments with transparency, fairness, and empathy, engaging stakeholders to develop practical solutions for both health workers and patients.
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