The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has commenced an indefinite strike, as reported by Eventville. The strike action began at 12 am on Wednesday, according to Emeka Orji, the president of NARD.
Earlier this month, NARD had given the federal government a two-week ultimatum to address their demands. The decision to proceed with the industrial action was made during a meeting of the association’s national executive council (NEC).
Among the key demands put forth by NARD are the immediate payment of the 2023 medical residency training fund (MRTF) and the prompt release of the circular on one-for-one replacement. Additionally, the association is seeking payment of skipping arrears and an upward review of the consolidated medical salary structure (CONMESS) to restore it to its 2014 value.
Furthermore, NARD is advocating for the settlement of arrears of consequential adjustment of minimum wage for omitted doctors and the reversal of the downgrading of the membership certificate by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
The doctors are also requesting the establishment of a new hazard allowance, skipping, and implementation of the corrected CONMESS in state health institutions, along with the payment of omitted hazard allowance arrears.
In an attempt to find a resolution to the impending strike, Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives, held a meeting with NARD on Monday. During the meeting, Abbas encouraged the doctors to express their concerns and propose realistic solutions to the issues at hand, while also acknowledging that the government’s available revenues may not fully meet all of their demands.