By The Lagos State Government has reacted to widespread reports that it issued a directive to reduce the monthly payment of National Youths Service Corps, (NYSC) doctors from N75,000 to N15,000, with effective from July.
Speaking on Sunday, the State Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Mrs. Ajibola Ponnle, described the claims as ‘false and misleading’
“Lagos State Government has noted the decision of the National Association of Residents Doctors (NARD) to call out doctors on a strike from Monday, 2nd August 2, 2021,” she said.
“The decision followed the directive of its National Executive Committee meeting held in Umuahia on 30th July, 2021.
“The communique cited, among other grievances, a purported directive from the Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Special Duties, to reduce the monthly payment of NYSC Doctors from N75,000 to N15,000, effective July 2021. This claim is false and misleading.”
According to the commissioner, the resolutions reached at the 42nd National Council on Establishments (NCE) Meeting held in Lagos on Monday, November 30 – Friday, December 4, 2020, necessitated the issuance of a circular by the Head of Service of Lagos State, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, to communicate the decision taken at the Federal level to public servants in Lagos.
The directive was that Internship Programmes/Houseman-ship/NYSC Doctors in the Public Service should no longer attract Grade Levels in the Salary Structure as the programmes form part of the training.
She reiterated the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to the welfare of Lagos State Government employees, particularly the health workers who have showed commitment, bravery and resilience in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The decision of NARD is hasty. We, therefore, appeal for restraint by the Lagos Chapter of the Association of Resident Doctors and Nigerian Medical Association. They should wait for the conclusion of these engagements,” Ponle added.
