Nigeria Resident Doctors Suspend Nationwide Strike

Strategic Insights -

The Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended their nationwide strike, which had disrupted healthcare services in parts of the country, after the federal government committed to paying the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to beneficiaries. The 24-hour additional grace period expired on September 10, prompting the strike. President of NARD, Dr. Tope Osundara, confirmed the suspension, stating that doctors are to resume work immediately, with some demands met and others to be looked into.

Key Takeaways:

  • The nationwide strike by the Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has been suspended, with doctors to resume work immediately.
  • The suspension of the strike was a result of the federal government's commitment to pay the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to beneficiaries.
  • Some of the outstanding demands that have not been met include unpaid arrears, downgrade of membership certificate, manpower shortage, and immediate release of corrected circular on remuneration for doctors.
  • Resident doctors are also demanding settlement of five months' arrears from the 25-35% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review and other long-standing salary backlog demands.

Statistics:

  • The strike was suspended after a two-day hiatus.
  • The federal government has committed to paying the MRTF to beneficiaries.
  • Some of the outstanding demands that have not been met include:

+ Unpaid arrears.

+ Downgrade of membership certificate.

+ Manpower shortage.

+ Immediate release of corrected circular on remuneration for doctors from NSIWC.

  • Resident doctors are demanding settlement of five months' arrears from the 25-35% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review and other long-standing salary backlog demands.

Sources:

  • THISDAY
  • Dr. Tope Osundara, President of NARD
  • Minister of Labour and Employment
  • Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare