Resident doctors begin 5-day warning strike

The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Friday commenced a five-day warning strike. The action followed the expiration of a 24-hour ultimatum issued to the Federal Government to meet its outstanding demands. The ultimatum came after an earlier 10-day deadline, which lapsed on 10 September, without resolution. Resident doctors, who constitute the majority of […]

The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Friday commenced a five-day warning strike.

The action followed the expiration of a 24-hour ultimatum issued to the Federal Government to meet its outstanding demands.

The ultimatum came after an earlier 10-day deadline, which lapsed on 10 September, without resolution.

Resident doctors, who constitute the majority of the medical workforce in teaching and specialist hospitals, have repeatedly gone on strike in recent years over unpaid wages, poor welfare, and inadequate working conditions.

In a message titled: “Declaration of strike action” on Friday by NARD Secretary-General, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, the association confirmed the commencement of the strike.

“Good morning, NEC Members, thank you all for your continued cooperation and understanding. As clearly stated in our earlier communique, the strike is scheduled to commence at 8:00 am today (Friday).

“All Centre leadership is expected to guide their members accordingly. Further updates will be communicated to NEC members in due course,” he said.

Daily Trust reports that the doctors are demanding immediate payment of the outstanding 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, and other long-standing salary backlogs.

Others are the payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, prompt disbursement of specialist allowances, and restoration of the recognition of the West African postgraduate membership certificates.

They also called on the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to issue membership certificates to all deserving candidates, implement the 2024 CONMESS, resolve outstanding welfare issues in Kaduna State, and address the plight of resident doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.