The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has announced its intention to stage peaceful protests and picket the Federal Ministry of Health, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, and federal and state tertiary health institutions.
The association outlined its demands in a circular addressed to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health, including better funding of residency training and improved welfare for resident doctors.
If the government does not meet these demands by August 9th, the association will proceed with its planned protests.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) began an indefinite strike on July 26th following the expiration of a two-week ultimatum it issued to the government to meet its demands.
The doctors are demanding a number of changes, including the implementation of the Medical Residency Training Act, better funding for residency training, and improved welfare for resident doctors.
The FG has directed CMDs and MDs to implement the 'no work, no pay' policy on striking members of NARD.
However, NARD has vowed to continue its strike until its demands are met.
The statement reads
“We wish to bring to your notice, the decision of the National Executive Council of NARD to embark on daily peaceful protests and picketing of the Federal Ministry of Health, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, as well as all federal and state tertiary health institutions nationwide, with effect from Wednesday, August 9, 2023, by 10 am.
“This has become necessary to press home our demands which have been largely neglected by our parent ministry and the Federal Government. We are pained that rather than make genuine and concerted efforts to resolve the challenges that led to the industrial action despite repeated ultimatums, our parent ministry and the Federal Government have chosen to demonise Nigerian resident doctors instead, after all, their sacrifices and patriotism.
“We, therefore, resolved that it is time the whole world hears our side of the story – the decay and corruption in the health sector, as well as the neglect the public health institutions have suffered all these years that led to repeated industrial actions.
“We believe that the government still has time to genuinely address the issues at stake before Wednesday, 9th August 2023, or leave us with no other option.”
In addition to its 'no work, no pay' directive, the FG has also ordered hospitals to maintain an attendance register for resident doctors who are willing to work.
However, NARD has stated that it will not be deterred and will continue to press for its demands through peaceful protests and picketing of government offices.
NARD's protests are set to begin on August 9th. The situation continues to unfold, with no sign of resolution in sight.