In a significant turn of events, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has opted to suspend its nationwide industrial action, marking an essential pause in a movement that commenced nearly three weeks ago.
This decision was announced by NARD President Emeka Orji, who highlighted that the doctors would reconvene to evaluate the progress achieved within a two-week timeframe.
Orji confirmed this development in an exclusive statement to our publication on Saturday morning, revealing that doctors are set to resume their duties at 8 a.m. on Saturday. He explained, “We just suspended the strike. Work to resume 8 a.m. On Saturday. We will review progress made in two weeks.”
This critical decision comes on the heels of negotiations and discussions aimed at addressing the multifaceted concerns raised by the resident doctors.
Strike Background
NARD initiated the industrial action on July 26, citing the Nigerian government’s failure to address their demands as the impetus for the movement.
Among the key issues highlighted by the doctors were the immediate disbursement of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), tangible measures to enhance the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), and the prompt settlement of salary arrears dating back to 2015.
Moreover, the doctors articulated the pressing need for an expedited recruitment of clinical staff in hospitals, alongside the removal of bureaucratic impediments that hinder the swift replacement of departing doctors and nurses.
Their demands extended to a call for an urgent revision of hazard allowances, both at the state government level and within private tertiary health institutions that engage in any form of residency training.
Impact of the Strike
The effects of the strike reverberated across major health facilities in several regions, disrupting medical services and underscoring the pivotal role resident doctors play within Nigeria’s tertiary hospitals.
With their absence, the healthcare landscape faced significant challenges, accentuating the urgency for the resolution of the issues at hand.
Shift in Strategy
Amid this backdrop, the striking doctors had earlier announced their intention to initiate a daily peaceful protest starting on Wednesday, aiming to amplify their demands. However, a recent turn of events led to the suspension of this planned protest.
Following a closed-door meeting with prominent members of the Senate leadership, the doctors decided to halt the scheduled protest, suggesting that ongoing discussions and negotiations may have yielded promising prospects for addressing their concerns.
Insights from NARD President
“The decision to suspend the strike stems from the Nigerian government’s steps towards addressing our demands.
“We have also noted the approval by the federal government of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), alongside the commencement of efforts to finalize the circular on the one-for-one replacement.
“The circular for the one-for-one replacement stands as a particularly crucial demand, as it is poised to address the acute shortage of manpower.
“Based on our observations, it appears that the government’s finalization of the circular will take an additional two weeks.”
“After conducting a meeting this evening, our members collectively concluded that instead of waiting for two weeks for the circular to conclude, we should opt to suspend the strike, particularly in light of the government’s proactive steps towards addressing several of the issues at hand.”