The ongoing strike embarked upon by the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), yesterday received sharp criticisms from Kogi State residents who insisted that the strike is not in the interest of the people. The residents, who described the doctor’s action as selfish and greedy, alleged that majority of doctors in the country, have their own private hospitals where they rob unsuspected patients with exorbitant medical bill.

Further expressing mistrust on the doctors’ motive, a resident, Daniel Musa, told New Telegraph that Nigerians have since developed a thick skin and adapted to the strike, saying the doctors are no longer missed.

“My family and I have since sought for an alternative means of medical treatment through herbal medicine and it is working for us. I want to believe that many Nigerians like me, who cannot afford private hospital bill, have since taking solace in the herbal way of treatment”, he said.

Another cross-section of residents in Lokoja, argued that they had since stop patronizing hospital even before the doctors strike. A resident who pleaded anonymity, said he has different pots fabricated with clay, stocked with assorted herbal medicine for the use of his family and neighbors who seek for them. He expressed lack of confidence in Nigerian doctors, saying the action has never been in the interest of Nigerians.

“They have miscalculated. Their thought was that if they close down activities in government hospitals, people would have no choice than to visit their private hospital when the need arises. But people have since discovered their antics and are now patronizing herbal medicine, which of course, is helping.”