Ebola: NMA Suspends Strike

There were indications Wednesday night that the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has suspended the nationwide strike embarked upon last month owning to the need to intervene and assist in curtailing the spread of Ebola virus.

The NMA had late Wednesday evening called for an emergency meeting to deliberate on the possibility of calling off the strike so as to allow medical doctors return to their duty post to give a helping hand in the fight to prevent further cases of Ebola.

An insider sources tells THISDAY that the “strike has been suspended though under controversial circumstances. Work is expected to resume at once,” he said.

Meanwhile, earlier before the suspension of the strike, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has set up a committee to combat the spread of Ebola virus disease in the country.

The association, though on strike, at a press conference to sensitise the public, said a team of doctors in Lagos State had volunteered to help patients at the Yaba hospital.

Speaking at the press conference, the Lagos NMA chairman, Dr Tope Ojo, said “strike or no strike, we must respond to emergencies. Our doctors are at Mainland Hospital, Yaba, where isolated contacts are being monitored.”

He said the issue of strike would not affect the commitment of the doctors, adding that the organisation “is a responsible body and will definitely respond.”