Angered by the way security operatives arrest and detain its members in different parts of the country with the excuse of implementing the restriction of movement directive, the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), has directed its members to henceforth work from the hours of 8am and close at 4pm.
In a memo to all medical and dental practitioners in the country titled: ‘Directive to Members on Scheduled Work period” and signed by its President, Dr. Francis A. Faduyile, the group said: “The NMA observed with dismay the pains and anguish foisted on our members returning from and going to work on Tuesday, May 19, night by security operatives who arrested and detained them in the name of implementing the lockdown curfew.
“This, to us, is not in line with the directives given by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and hence is unacceptable.
“Based on the foregoing, notice is hereby given to all Medical and Dental practitioners that since the security operatives have unilaterally withdrawn the exemption given to us by Mr. President as essential service providers as seen in some States and the FCT, I wish to state that with effect from today, Wednesday, May 20, 2020, all medical and dental practitioners should henceforth work between the hours of 8.00am and 4.00pm, to give enough time for them to return back home.
“This measure is to stop our members from working late and mitigate the embarrassment to our members in the process of carrying out their lawful duties.
“Further update will be communicated to members when this unfortunate directive from the Inspector-General of Police is reversed.”
