Chairman, Elders’ Forum of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), and grand patron of the Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN), Lagos chapter, Dr Ore Falomo, has lambasted the the leadership of Lagos chapter of the NMA over the incessant doctors’ strike in the state.
Falomo spoke at the Free Medical Screening and empowerment programme for the less-privileged by Ajoke Ayisat Afolabi Foundation in Lagos accused the doctors of using Lagos State, where 70 per cent of all doctors in the country resided, as a testing ground for CONMESS-related issues.
“The truth is; there is no way Lagos government would be able to meet what federal government has met. If federal government creates a problem, Lagos doctors should not replicate it here. And Lagos state should not be made a testing ground for everything. It is impossible for government to meet all the demands of the doctors. So if the government gives you 90% of your demand, you can accept it and ask for the remaining ten per cent later.”
Falomo who is also the Chairman of Medical Advisory Committee to the Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola, reiterated that strike should be the last option when every other means have failed. According to him, a good number of them who were working while others were on strike knew that every avenue has not been exhausted, even as he said that people should not see strike as a regular way of settling disputes.
“Something must be wrong about the leadership of the doctors if not, common sense would have prevailed among them about how they handle strike matters. It is disheartening, shocking and embarrassing that they have gone on strike again. This is one strike too many.
“No matter what their grievances are, it is illegal for them to leave their patients and embark on strike. It is time immemorial factor that you should not abandon your patients for what whatever reason. It is against the law, against morality and against common sense.
“The most annoying and embarrassing thing is that patients are left on their sick beds by the doctors and this doesn’t do any good to the image of the doctors. It is disheartening for those of us who believe that things could be done in the different manner than going on strike”, Falomo stated.
