Lagos moves to replace striking doctors
Dr. Ore Falomo, the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) to the Lags State governor, has said that the striking doctors in the state may soon lose their jobs.According to him, the state government has started recruiting medical doctors to replace those on strike.
He said the state government took the step to prevent deaths and ensure patients in any of the the state-owned hospitals get prompt treatment.
Falomo, who briefed journalists on the ongoing strike by the state doctors under the umbrella of the Medical Guild, said the strike embarked upon by the physicians had left much to be desired as many patients had died, adding that other patients may suffer similar fate, if nothing was done to address the problem.
He said the striking doctors violated the Hippocratic Oath that guided the medical profession which states that a doctor must avoid the death of patients irrespective of their grievances or socio-economic status and also finish every medical procedure they have started on any patient or discharge or refer them to another health facility.
“If doctors go on strike, it is to let the government know they are angry, but it should not be used to kill patients who are in pain,” he added.
He said medical doctors outside the Medical Guild were against the strike currently embarked upon by their counterparts, while condemning them for declaring an indefinite strike in spite of ongoing negotiations with the government.
Falomo said: “We are not justifying strike or no strike, but this a noble profession that has to do with lives and this is why we are saying that there are better ways to achieve their aims and objectives instead of embarking on strike at the slightest opportunity. Nobody can pay doctors enough, but they should change their methodology. They are to stop death, reduce pain and discomfort and be at peace when they go to their maker.”
He said the MAC had charged the specialists on ground to take care of emergency surgical procedures and services, adding that medical doctors on the national service will be assigned to emergency services.
