According to reports, President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the sack of all doctors in federal hospitals across the country.
The doctors, under the umbrella of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), have been on strike since July 1.
The physicians were urged to suspend their strike due to the entry of the Ebola virus into Nigeria but they refused.
News of the development was revealed in a letter written by L. N. Awute, a permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health, on behalf of the Minister, Onyebuchi Chukwu.
The letter read:
“President Goodluck Jonathan has suspended the residency training programme for doctors in Nigeria indefinitely for the purposes of appraising the challenges facing the health sector,” read the letter.
“In line with the above, the Honourable Minister has directed that you issue letters of termination of Residency Training appointment to the affected Resident Doctors in your Hospital immediately.
“The Board of Management is to take all necessary measures to immediately restore full medical services in your hospital. Note however this is without prejudice to the employment of Locum Physicians on six months renewable contract tied to productivity and good behavior.”
The Federal Government earlier accused the doctors of neglecting their oath to protect lives.
