On Tuesday night, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) made a significant announcement, declaring an indefinite nationwide strike, which will begin at 12 midnight on Tuesday. The decision was reached during the National Executive Council meeting of the association held in Lagos.
Dr Orji Emeka Innocent, the President of NARD, addressed the media, highlighting the major demands behind the decision to go on strike. The demands include:
Immediate payment of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
Immediate release of the circular on one-for-one replacement.
Payment of skipping arrears.
Upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) in line with full salary restoration to the 2014 value of CONMESS.
In a communique issued after its virtual extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, NARD expressed its frustration with the government’s slow response to their demands. Despite giving multiple ultimatums and a five-day warning strike from May 17th to 21st this year, the government has failed to take concrete actions to address the doctors’ concerns.
NARD emphasized that the resolutions of a conciliatory meeting, chaired by the then Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, had not been implemented even after seven weeks, despite set timelines for their execution.
Among the critical issues NARD is demanding are the payment of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund, the release of the circular on one-for-one replacement, the payment of skipping arrears, and the upward review of CONMESS to restore its 2014 value.
Additionally, NARD is seeking the payment of the arrears of consequential adjustment of minimum to the omitted doctors, the reversal of the downgrading of the membership certificate by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), and the payment of new hazard allowance, skipping, and implementation of corrected CONMESS in State Tertiary Health Institutions, including the payment of omitted hazard allowance arrears.
The nationwide strike by NARD is expected to have a significant impact on the healthcare system across the country. The association’s decision reflects their discontent with the government’s handling of their demands and highlights the urgent need for a resolution to ensure the smooth functioning of medical services in Nigeria.
As the situation unfolds, authorities will be under mounting pressure to engage in meaningful dialogue with NARD representatives to find a resolution and end the strike to safeguard the well-being of patients and address the concerns of resident doctors.
