The Federal Government has mandated all chief medical directors in teaching hospitals nationwide to open attendance registers with a view to stopping salaries of doctors taking part in the strike called by the National Association of Resident Doctors.

The order, which was revealed by a senior health official, was also confirmed by the President of NARD, Dr UYILAWA OKHUAIHESUYI.

The senior health official said government is determined to implement the no-work-no-pay order from today, adding the attendance registers will be opened in all hospitals.

But as government and resident doctors traded blame over the strike, plight of patients in the affected hospitals worsened as many of them were withdrawn by their relatives.

Recall that NARD last week resumed the strike it suspended on April 10 following the Federal Government's promise to meet its demands including payment of the residency fund, COVID-19 allowance, hazard allowance as well as the outstanding salary shortfalls.

The Minister of Health, Dr. CHRIS NGIGE said government is serious about the no-work-no-pay order.

However, the Chairman, House of Representatives committee on Health care services, YUSUF SUNUNU said a meeting has been called today to resolve the crisis.