In a response to the Federal Government’s failure to fulfill their requests, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has initiated a five-day warning strike.
During an extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held virtually, which lasted six and a half hours, a statement released on Monday, May 15, 2023, outlined the decision to proceed with the strike.
Scheduled to commence at 8 am on Wednesday, May 17, and conclude on Monday, May 22, at 8 am, the strike action comes after NARD had previously issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government on April 29, 2023.
The ultimatum officially ended on Saturday, May 13, 2023.
The primary demands of the resident doctors include an immediate 200% increase in the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, calculated based on the current gross salaries of doctors.
Additionally, the doctors are advocating for the withdrawal of a proposed bill that mandates medical and dental graduates to serve five years in Nigeria before obtaining full licenses to practice.
Other demands encompass the immediate implementation of CONMESS, the domestication of the Medical Residency Training Act, and the revision of hazard allowances by all state governments and private tertiary health institutions involved in any form of residency training.
NARD President, Dr. Emeka Orji, confirmed that the strike will encompass all hospital operations, including emergency and clinical services.
Dr. Orji expressed disappointment in the government’s lack of engagement in negotiations despite the ultimatum provided, which expired on May 13.
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