Nigerian Resident Doctors Halt Indefinite Nationwide Strike After Two Weeks, Gives Reasons

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called off its prolonged nationwide strike, urging its members to resume work from 8 a.m. on Saturday, August 12, 2023.

This decision follows a two-week work withdrawal initiated on July 26, 2023, as a response to the Federal Government’s inability to fulfill the doctors’ demands.

NARD’s demands encompass various critical aspects, including the revision of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), recruitment of new doctors and nurses to replenish the workforce, disbursement of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), clearance of salary arrears, and an enhancement of hazard allowances by state governments, among other requisites.

Initially poised to undertake nationwide protests, specifically targeting the Federal Ministry of Health, the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, and state tertiary health institutions, the resident doctors have now opted to suspend these actions.

Dr. Emeka Orji, the President of NARD, confirmed the suspension of the strike on Friday evening. He conveyed that doctors will resume their duties at 8 a.m. on Saturday while indicating that a comprehensive assessment of progress will be conducted over a two-week period.

“We have decided to suspend the strike. Operations will recommence as of 8 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday). We will evaluate the advancements achieved in the following two weeks,” Dr. Orji stated.

He added, “During this week, we received interventions from the Presidential Villa, and on the same day, we engaged with the Senate President. In both discussions, the government requested twenty-four hours to address our immediate concerns, as a demonstration of their commitment to resolving them.”

The temporary cessation of the strike by NARD reflects a willingness to give the government an opportunity to address the pressing issues at hand. As the medical community re-enters the workforce, expectations are high for substantial progress to be made towards meeting the doctors’ stipulated demands.