COVID-19: Nigerian doctors threaten to down tools on June 15th

Doctors in Nigeria have issued a stark warning to the government as they threaten to go on an indefinite nationwide strike starting from June 15th due to unsatisfactory working conditions and salary arrears. The Nigerian healthcare system, already under strain from the COVID-19 pandemic with over 12,801 confirmed cases, could face a severe setback if the doctors follow through with their industrial action. Dr. Ifeanyi Nsofor, the CEO of EpiAfric, shed light on the potential implications of this strike on the progress made in containing the virus in a recent interview on CNBC Africa. Dr. Nsofor commended the efforts of governments across Africa in responding to the COVID-19 crisis, citing the relatively low number of cases on the continent compared to other parts of the world. He attributed this success to the level of epidemic preparedness that many African countries had in place prior to the pandemic. However, he also stressed the need for increased investment in epidemic preparedness, using Nigeria's National Action Plan for Health Security as an example. Dr. Nsofor emphasized that African governments must allocate more resources towards preparedness to adequately handle future epidemics. The issue of private sector involvement in the COVID-19 response was also discussed during the interview. Dr. Nsofor acknowledged the limited participation of private healthcare facilities at the onset of the crisis but highlighted the increasing collaboration between public and private sectors in Nigeria. He pointed out the expansion of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control's reference laboratories to include private facilities, indicating progress in involving the private sector. However, Dr. Nsofor stressed the importance of regulating and supervising private healthcare providers to ensure they meet the standards required for managing infectious diseases like COVID-19. The looming strike by Nigerian doctors poses a significant threat to the country's healthcare system and the ongoing efforts to combat COVID-19. With the frontline healthcare workers—already under immense pressure—threatening to down tools, the delivery of essential medical services and the containment of the virus could be severely compromised. The potential impact of the strike extends beyond just the immediate healthcare sector, as it could also strain the country's overall response to the pandemic. As Nigeria grapples with the dual challenges of a healthcare system in turmoil and a rising number of COVID-19 cases, the government faces a critical juncture in addressing the grievances of the healthcare workers. The outcome of the impending strike could have far-reaching consequences on the country's ability to effectively manage the pandemic and protect its population. It is imperative for all stakeholders to swiftly find a resolution to avert the looming crisis and safeguard the health and well-being of Nigerians amidst these challenging times.