“We’ve been able to disburse close to N20 billion and I repeat close to 20 billion. So, to now say nothing has been done, that is not true,” the minister said.

“We were able to pay April, May full, June, part of it has been paid but not fully paid and it’s because of the economic situation and these funds have to be sourced for one way or the other,” he added.

According to the Minister, the funds were paid to “Federal health institutions” across the country including Federal Medical Centres (FMCs), teaching hospitals among others.

The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) had on Monday embarked on an indefinite nationwide strike to press home its demand.

According to the union, the doctors are downing tools and demanding a pay rise, better welfare, and adequate facilities.