SENATE President, David Mark, has intervened in the lingering strike embarked upon by doctors under the aegis of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
Mark, who held a closed door meeting with the leadership of the NMA, on Sunday night, pleaded with the striking doctors to end the protracted industrial action in the interest of Nigerians.
Senator Mark told the doctors that their profession was strategic, adding that they could not continue to look the other way when Nigerians, who depend on them for medical care, faced heath challenges.
He also stated that the doctors needed to reconsider the strike, in view of the outbreak of Ebola virus, which he said is now a national emergency.
He insisted that the doctors now had enough reason to suspend the strike, by rising up to the challenge of saving their countrymen and women.
According to him, the Federal Government was not insensitive to their demands, adding that the situation at the moment called for patriotism on their parts.
He said he would immediately table their grievances before President Goodluck Jonathan-led executive arm of government, in order to find solutions to them.
President of NMA, Dr Kayode Obembe, who led members of executive to the meeting, listed their grievances to include improved hazard allowance for medical and heath workers, payment of 10 months arrears, as well as appointment of surgeon-general of the federation.
He also said the NMA was demanding immediate reversal of the Federal Government’s sacking of over 16,000 resident doctors as a basis for further negotiation.