Federal Government Sacks 16 000 Resident Doctors

The doctors had been on an indefinite nationwide strike since July 1, in protest of Federal Government's non-implementation of some agreements it had with the union.

Other demands included immediate appointment of a Surgeon-General of the Federation and increase of hazard allowance to N100,000 monthly.

The doctors were also demanding reservation of the position of the chief medical director for medical doctors only.

The Federal Government, in a circular dated August 13, 2014, signed by L. N. Awute, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, on behalf of the minister directed the suspension of residency training programme for doctors in the country, and termination of appointment of all resident doctors to enable the government appraise the challenges facing the sector.

The government, in the circular, entitled "Re: Presidential directive suspending residency programme in Nigeria," directed the hospital boards of management to take all necessary measures to immediately restore full medical services.

The circular, however noted that "this is without prejudice to the employment of Locum Physicians on six months renewable contract, tied to productivity and good behaviour."

The locum appointments, the circular stated, were to be approved by the president through the minister of health.

Reacting to the sack order, chairman, National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Dr Jubril Abdullai, said the decision was illegal, adding that the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) would take appropriate steps as regards the sitution.

According to him, it was an act of law that set up residency training programme in Nigeria, adding that for the country to abolish it, legal steps had to be taken.

He noted that an emergency meeting had just been held with the national body of doctors, adding that "I can bet it with you that this is just the beginning of the strike."

Also, vice president of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Dr Titus Ibekwe, while speaking with Nigerian Tribune, said the association was in a meeting to discuss the issue.

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Foxconn replaces 60 000 factory workers with robots

 
Workers have complained in the past about conditions in Foxconns factories

Apple and Samsung supplier Foxconn has reportedly replaced 60,000 factory workers with robots.

One factory has "reduced employee strength from 110,000 to 50,000 thanks to the introduction of robots", a government official told the South China Morning Post.
Xu Yulian, head of publicity for the Kunshan region, added: "More companies are likely to follow suit."
China is investing heavily in a robot workforce.
In a statement to the BBC, Foxconn Technology Group confirmed that it was automating "many of the manufacturing tasks associated with our operations" but denied that it meant long-term job losses.
"We are applying robotics engineering and other innovative manufacturing technologies to replace repetitive tasks previously done by employees, and through training, also enable our employees to focus on higher value-added elements in the manufacturing process, such as research and development, process control and quality control.
"We will continue to harness automation and manpower in our manufacturing operations, and we expect to maintain our significant workforce in China."
Since September 2014, 505 factories across Dongguan, in the Guangdong province, have invested 4.2bn yuan (£430m) in robots, aiming to replace thousands of workers.
Kunshan, Jiangsu province, is a manufacturing hub for the electronics industry.
Economists have issued dire warnings about how automation will affect the job market, with one report, from consultants Deloitte in partnership with Oxford University, suggesting that 35% of jobs were at risk over the next 20 years.
Former McDonalds chief executive Ed Rensi recently told the USs Fox Business programme a minimum-wage increase to $15 an hour would make companies consider robot workers.
"Its cheaper to buy a $35,000 robotic arm than it is to hire an employee who is inefficient, making $15 an hour bagging French fries," he said.

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Facebook opens Registration for Hacker Cup 2013 1st Prize 10 000

Social Giant invited hackers from Worldwide to register for Hacker Cup 2013 competition. The Facebook Hacker Cup is an annual worldwide programming competition where hackers compete against each other for fame, fortune, glory and a shot at the title of world champion.

The first place winner will get $10,000 (USD), $2,000 (USD) for 2nd and $1,000 (USD) for 3rd place winner. And also all the winners will receive official Facebook T-Shirts.

Important Dates:

• The Competition starts on January 25, 2013. This is qualification round, if you selected in this round Facebook will notify via Email for next round.
• Online Round 1 starts on February 2, 2013 at 10.00 PT.
• Online Round 2 starts on February 9, 2013 at 1:00 PM PT.
• Online Round 3 will begin on February 16, 2013 at 1:00 PM PT
• The Onsite Final Round will be on on March 22, 2013 at the Facebook offices in Menlo Park, California, USA

Prize Details:

• The First Place winner get $10,000 (USD)
• 2nd Place: $2,000 (USD) 
• 3rd Place: $1,000 (USD)
• 4th-25th Place: $100 (USD)

If you like to participate in this contest first fill this Registration form and submit. Click here to know more about Hacker Cup

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