A STRIKE over pay by Nigerian doctors has led to the deaths of some 2500 people in the southern Rivers State for lack of medical attention, a representative for the doctors said this week. Members of the National Association of Resident Doctors, an affiliate of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), launched the nationwide strike eight weeks ago to press demand for salary increases and back pay. Most of the deaths arose from complicated obstetric cases and road accidents. Resident doctors, who are employees of the government, are asking for an across-the-board increase. A typical government doctor currently earns around 26 000 naira ($215) a month. On Monday, President Olusegun Obasanjo appealed to the doctors to call off the strike, promising to address their pay demands. – AFP