After a five-day nationwide warning strike by its members, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has ordered its members to return to work today (Monday).
While the strike may have ended, NARD did state, however, that it would assess the Federal Government’s commitment to resolving the concerns in the next two weeks following its three-hour Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting.
But by that week, it will be the early days of the incoming administration.
In order to resolve the concerns voiced by the resident doctors, the group and the Federal Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Friday.
On May 17, the NARD began a statewide strike to force the Federal Government to meet its demands.
The Medical Doctors Demands
The doctors are calling for immediate massive clinical staff recruitment in the hospitals, the immediate withdrawal of a bill that would have required medical and dental graduates to serve a five-year mandatory national service before receiving full licences to practice.
Also, they want an immediate hospital infrastructure development, with a subsequent allocation of at least 15% of budgetary funds to health in accordance with the 2001 Abuja Declaration.
Other demands include the immediate payment of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund in accordance with the agreements made at the stakeholders’ meeting called by the Federal Ministry of Health on February 15, 2023.
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Also, they want an immediate increase in the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure to the tune of 200% of the gross salary of Doctors in addition to the allowances included in the letter written to the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, on July 7, 2022, for the reinstatement of the consolidated medical salary structure.
Unfortunately, these demands have lingered for quite some time.
Suspension Of Strike
The President of the association, Dr Emeka Orji, in an interview with our correspondent, said the strike had been suspended with effect from 8:00am on Monday.
He said the association would review the progress regarding its demands during its ordinary general meeting in Lagos.
Orji said: “The strike has been suspended and work resumes at 8am tomorrow (Monday). The ultimatum extended till June 2, 2023, for reassessment.”
Also, the association’s spokesman, Dr. Umar Usman, told reporters that before the strike began, they had backing of the National Executive Council.
“We promised that it would be a five-day warning strike and at the end of it, we will call them to the progress made.
“So, as promised, we shall continue tomorrow.
“We have a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government, and it was decided that concerns will be resolved according to timetables.
“To track the status of the issues identified, we will assess the promises made.”
