Medical doctors under the aegis the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors have commenced five (5) days warning strike after its ultimatum to the Federal Government as regards the issues of unpaid allowances, salary arrears, and unresolved welfare issues of its members.
Resident doctors form the backbone of Nigeria’s public health system, providing a large share of clinical services in federal and state hospitals. Any strike action by the association often paralyses healthcare delivery, leaving patients stranded and hospitals overstretched.
Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, the Secretary-General of NARD in a message titled “Declaration of strike action” made available to journalists alluded to the commencement of the strike action.
“Good morning, NEC Members, thank you all for your continued cooperation and understanding. As clearly stated in our earlier communique, the strike is scheduled to commence at 8:00 am today (Friday).
“All Centre leadership is expected to guide their members accordingly. Further updates will be communicated to NEC members in due course,” he said.
Among other things, the grievances of the association includes non-disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, payment of five months’ arrears from the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, and outstanding specialist and hazard allowances.
The association explained that the decision to commence the strike action was reached at a six-hours long virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting, after the expiration of its ultimatum to the government.
The expanded National Executive Committee of the association noted its disappointment at the Federal Government’s refusal to address the welfare of its members thereby forcing the association to proceed on the strike.