Senate President, David  Mark, has expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for reinstating the 16,000 resident doctors  sacked during their  two months strike action.

Mark expressed his appreciation to the Federal Government and in particular, President Goodluck Jonathan on the doctors’ reinstatement yesterday through a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh.

It would be recalled that Senator Mark had waded into the strike action following disagreement between the federal government and the doctors  over unpaid arrears arising from hazard and relativity allowances among others which culminated into the Federal Government unilaterally sacking all resident doctors and suspended residency training.

The then striking doctors under the aegis of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) vowed not to return to work until government reversed the decision sacking them.

But Mark pleaded with them to go back to work and gave him the benefit of the doubt to meet the executive arm of government to think otherwise about the sack which as stated in the statement,  led to suspension of strike by the doctors.

Mark also appreciated the NMA for calling off the strike and directing its members to return to their duty posts forthwith.

He therefore enjoined the doctors to reciprocate the gesture by rendering excellent services they have been known for, especially under the current health care challenges orchestrated by the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease ( EVD).

According to Him, “the strike should have been avoided at all costs especially in critical sector like health. Dialogue  remains the option to any dispute, no matter the circumstances. I believe that some useful lessons have been learnt to prevent occurrence in future.”

He canvassed for patriotism from all citizens saying “we need the support and cooperation of all to make progress and make our country a better place”.