The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its planned nationwide daily protest following a closed-door meeting with Senate leaders on Tuesday.
The move comes amid an ongoing strike by doctors, who have demanded improved conditions from the government.
Striking Doctors Engage Senate Leadership
In a significant development, doctors affiliated with the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) have put a hold on their proposed nationwide daily protest.
This decision materialized after a constructive meeting with principal Senate officers on Tuesday, as confirmed by NARD President Emeka Orji to Lafiya360.
Temporary Reprieve and Future Outlook
Emeka Orji disclosed the suspension of the planned protest scheduled for Wednesday, emphasizing that a comprehensive update will be provided within the next 72 hours.
The meeting with Senate leadership, which included the Senate President, majority and minority leaders, and Whip, led to this provisional pause in the protest action.
Initial Plan and Government Directive
Originally, NARD had intended to initiate a daily peaceful protest starting Wednesday, citing the government’s failure to address their demands.
The Nigerian government, in response, had instructed federal tertiary hospitals to enforce a “no work, no pay” policy for the striking doctors.
This policy mandates that doctors abstaining from duty will not receive their regular salaries for the duration of the strike.
Long-standing Demands and Industrial Action
The ongoing strike, initiated by doctors on July 26, has its roots in the government’s alleged failure to meet their stipulated demands.
The doctors’ demands include the immediate disbursement of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund, concrete steps towards revising the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), and the clearance of salary arrears dating back to 2015.
Broader Demands and Health System Challenges
Beyond these fundamental issues, the doctors also advocate for a substantial increase in clinical staff recruitment within hospitals.
They emphasize the need to eliminate bureaucratic constraints that hinder the swift replacement of departing medical personnel.
Additionally, the doctors seek the revision of hazard allowances by state governments and private tertiary health institutions involved in residency training.
Senate Steps In and Future Promises
In a separate statement, Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised the doctors for suspending the planned protest and expressed a commitment to addressing their concerns.
He affirmed that the Senate is attentive to the doctors’ demands and plans to tackle these issues in collaboration with the incoming Minister of Health.
“I thank you on behalf of the Senate for honoring us with your decision not only to cancel the planned public protest but to also call off the strike in the interest of the suffering masses,” Apkabio said.
“Your demands are well noted and let me assure you that as soon as a Minister in charge of Health is appointed, the Senate will work with him or her to expeditiously address all your grievances.”
Akpabio underscored the government’s willingness to cooperate with medical practitioners, highlighting the numerous appointments of doctors to key positions within the administration.
He emphasized that the Senate is resolute in preventing medical strikes due to their adverse effects on the populace.