Minister of labour and productivity, Chris Ngige has accused doctors who are currently on strike of competing with God.
Recall that resident doctors commenced a nationwide strike on August 2, over irregular payment of salaries, hazard allowances among other issues.
Speaking at the 2nd Summit of Medical Elders Forum (MEF) in Abuja, the Minister said the medical profession is in danger now more than at any other time in its history.
Ngige who asked these doctors to carry themselves with humility, also wondered why doctors tend to go on strike more often when someone from the medical profession holds a political position.
He said;
“At no time in the history of NMA (Nigerian Medical Association) and the medical association, was I seeing our association and our profession ever being in danger as I am seeing them now.
“Many people will not see it, but from where I am sitting and standing, I can see danger ahead.
“We are one of the oldest professions on earth, metamorphosing from natural and traditional healers to take away pain from people and consequentially save lives.
“We don’t create lives, God creates, we only preserve people’s lives through the act of God. In doing so, God has given us some powers.
“But there is something God does not want, God does not want when he gives you powers you use it to try to say that you are like him or you are competing with him.
“God loves you to do that which he has asked you to do; to use that power with humility.
“Doctors should ask themselves questions; why is it that it is when your colleagues are in government that you go on the greatest number of strikes?
“Some of these colleagues were Presidents, Secretaries-General of the Nigerian Medical Association and even NARD (Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors).”
