Resident doctors Begins indefinite strike

By Lateef Taiwo

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, has embarked on indefinite industrial action over dispute with the federal government on salary and welfare matters.

In a communique issued at the end of its meeting of the association held virtually on the 21st and 25th july, the doctors resolved, to further extend her already expired ultimatum issued to the government by two weeks with effect from Wednesday July 5, 2023.

In a communique signed by the President of NARD, Dr Orji Emeka Innocent, Secretary-General, Dr Chikezie Kelechi and Dr Umar Musa, Publicity & Social Secretary said having considered all the numerous ultimatums, appeals, and engagements with Government, NEC unanimously resolved to proceed on a total and indefinite strike commencing from 12:00 am on Wednesday, 26th July 2023.

The resident Doctors demanded the immediate release of the circular on ONE for ONE replacement of exited clinical staff in the various hospitals, immediate payment of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund, MRTF, sayingthis should be done without further delay.

NARD demanded the commencement of payment of all salary arrears owed to its members including the 2014, 2015, and 2016 salary arrears, hazard allowance arrears as well as arrears of the consequential adjustment of the minimum wage.

Among other demands of the doctors were the immediate payment of the 2023 MRTF as contained in the approved 2023 budget in line with various agreements reached with the government.

They expressed disappointment at the delayed payment of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), despite several engagements by NARD with the government, as members observed rather unfortunately, that the first phase of the update courses and examinations this year, for which the fund was intended have been concluded and the second phase is about closing.

The resident Doctors regrettably observed that many state governors are yet to implement the appropriate Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), domesticate the Medical Residency Training Act (MRTA)/pay the Medical Residency Training Fund or improve on the hazard allowance paid to our colleagues and other health workers while owing a backlog of salary arrears to our members.

The association frowned at these negative developments in the states which have lingered for a long time now, wondering how such state governors will continue to oversee this progressive collapse of the Health sector in their states and endangering the lives of their citizens.