The Nigeria Medical Association has apologised to Nigerians, especially patients at various public hospitals, for the ongoing strike by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors.

The chairman of the Abuja chapter, Enema Amodu, made the plea on Sunday in Abuja while addressing journalists.

He said, “We are not insensitive. We hope that the government and those in charge of the discussion with NARD will take it seriously, with a view to settling the issues at stake.

“To our patients, we are very sorry that you have to suffer this epileptic irregular health care service delivery. We have taken an oath to take care of you.”

Dr Amodu added, “But if a doctor is not in a sound state of mind and is not happy with what he or she is getting from the job, the doctor may not be in the right frame of mind to discharge his or her duties right.”

He urged the federal government to respond to health workers’ needs in the country and make them a matter of urgency.

Dr Amodu reminded the government of the need to address the COVID-19 allowance, health insurance for doctors, and other contending issues, leading to the ongoing strike.

(NAN)