The standoff between resident doctors and the federal government shifted this weekend.
After NARD declared a strike on Friday, September 12, the association suspended the action and instructed its members to return to duty on Sunday, September 14.
Demands Still Pending
At the centre of this turnaround lies a delicate compromise.
NARD president, Zenith Osunadare, told newsmen that the government addressed certain demands, most notably by paying the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
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However, he stressed that several grievances still demand urgent attention.
Specifically, the doctors want the government to clear unpaid arrears, stop the downgrading of membership certificates, recruit more staff to ease manpower shortages, and release a corrected circular on doctors’ pay from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.
Warning To Government
Moreover, Osunadare explained, the association suspended the strike to show goodwill and to help Nigerians who desperately need healthcare.
“In two weeks we will review the government’s response to the other demands,” he added.
Consequently, NARD chose dialogue over confrontation—for now.
Yet the association also made its warning clear: if the government fails to honour its promises, the doctors will not hesitate to resume the strike with greater intensity.
