In a statement, the state Commissioner of Health, Dr. Nafisa Mohammed Maradun, acknowledged the union's concerns and expressed the government's commitment to finding a mutually beneficial solution.
The government emphasized that the health and safety of citizens are its top priority, particularly during the current cholera outbreak.
The commissioner clarified that the government's recent salary increase was a strategic step to motivate and retain medical professionals, and part of a phased approach to addressing remuneration for all health workers.
The government denied accusations of being "selective and biased" in its efforts to improve conditions for health workers.
The commissioner expressed disappointment that the union chose to embark on a strike during a critical public health challenge, and reiterated the government's commitment to dialogue to resolve outstanding issues amicably.