The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued the Federal Government another 24-hour deadline to meet its outstanding demands or risk an indefinite nationwide strike.
The doctor’s association had previously issued the Federal Government with a 10-day deadline for action, which expired on Wednesday without any significant deliverables. After a six-hour emergency meeting on Thursday, NARD resolved to extend a one last opportunity for the government to act.
NARD’s demands include the immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund; settlement of outstanding arrears from the 25–35 percent salary review under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure; and clearance of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears.
NARD also wants the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to upgrade membership certificates and wants the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to issue certificates to qualified doctors.
NARD raised its concerns about outstanding welfare issues existing at the state levels. In Kaduna state, resident doctors at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital indicated that the agreements reached with the Kaduna State government are still outstanding. In Oyo state, doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso are still on strike over poor welfare condition.
NARD president, Dr. Tope Osundara acknowledged that the government has reached and made promises, but verbal assurances are no longer enough to satisfy the doctor’s association. The doctors require action from the government, disbursement and reforms that are visible.
By any means necessary, if the government fails to deliver within this 24-hour ultimatum, doctors will withdraw their services and begin strike action immediately. If they go on strike, healthcare delivery in their respective teaching hospitals and specialist centres will be severely hampered and this will have negative consequences in the country.
So, doctors association has urged the government to respond swiftly, emphasizing that only immediate and practical solutions will prevent a major disruption to the nation’s health sector.
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