In a bold move, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced a decisive and indefinite strike, citing the government’s failure to address their demands.
The president of NARD, Dr. Emeka Orji, made the announcement yesterday, revealing that the strike is scheduled to commence on the morning of July 26, 2023.
The decision was reached during a crucial meeting held by the NARD NEC members in Lagos on Tuesday.
Dr. Orji disclosed that the major demands of the association include the immediate payment of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), the prompt release of the circular on one-for-one replacement, payment of skipping arrears, and an upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) to restore it to its 2014 value.
Furthermore, the doctors demand the payment of arrears related to the consequential adjustment of minimum wages to omitted doctors, a reversal of the downgrading of their membership certificate by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), the payment of MRTF, new hazard allowance, skipping, and the proper implementation of corrected CONMESS in State Tertiary Health Institutions. Additionally, they seek the settlement of omitted hazard allowance arrears.
Earlier this week, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, had appealed to the NARD leadership during a meeting, requesting a two-week grace period to meet with President Bola Tinubu and address the association’s demands. However, the doctors seem resolved to pursue their action.
As the strike takes effect, the nation braces itself for the impact on healthcare services and the government’s response to the doctors’ pleas.