NARD insists on strike, says over 2,000 doctors owed

Images

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors reiterated its resolve on Wednesday to embark on a nationwide strike on September 10 if the Federal Government and its relevant agencies fail to meet its demands.

The President of NARD, Dr. Tope Osundara, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with our correspondent.

He said the association met with the Federal Government on Monday, but the discussions yielded no positive outcome.

Earlier this week, NARD issued a 10-day ultimatum to the relevant government agencies, warning that its members would commence strike action if their demands were not addressed.

The doctors condemned the failure of the Federal Government to fulfil its promises, noting with that a substantial number of resident doctors remain unpaid for their 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, and the refusal to pay the outstanding five months’ arrears arising from the 25 per cent/35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, other longstanding salary arrears; and the arrears of the 2024 Accoutrement Allowance, among others.

About three weeks ago, the Federal Government inaugurated the Committee on Collective Bargaining for the health sector, signaling the commencement of negotiations with major unions and associations, in line with Articles 1 and 2 of the guidelines on collective bargaining agreement machinery.

The negotiations are expected to cover remuneration, working conditions, professional development, and the welfare of health workers.

The committee was set up after both the Nigerian Medical Association and NARD issued a strike ultimatum in July, and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives suspended its nationwide warning strike.

Osundara, however, noted that despite the committee’s inauguration, there had been no meaningful response to the doctors’ demands.