Resident Doctors in Nigeria Embark on Nationwide Strike Amid Unaddressed Demands

Resident doctors in Nigeria have started a nationwide strike in response to the government's failure to address their outstanding demands. The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) had issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Federal Government to meet its demands, which included immediate payment of the outstanding 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund and settlement of five months' arrears from the 25-35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review. Despite receiving promises from the government, the association decided to go ahead with the strike, which began on Friday morning. The strike is expected to affect teaching and specialist hospitals across the country, where resident doctors constitute the majority of the medical workforce.

Key Takeaways:

• The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has directed its members to withdraw services from public hospitals nationwide due to unaddressed demands.
• The strike began on Friday morning after a 24-hour ultimatum issued to the Federal Government to meet its outstanding demands.
• The demands include 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 resolution of long-standing salary backlogs.
• The association is also seeking payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, prompt disbursement of specialist allowances, and restoration of the recognition of the West African postgraduate membership certificates.
• NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundare, stated that the association acknowledged the government's promise to address their concerns but insisted on immediate action.
• The strike is expected to affect teaching and specialist hospitals across the country, where resident doctors constitute the majority of the medical workforce.
• The association confirmed the commencement of the strike in a message from NARD Secretary-General, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, stating that the strike is scheduled to continue until the demands are met.

Statistics:

• 24-hour ultimatum issued to the Federal Government to meet its outstanding demands.
• 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund worth an undisclosed amount pending payment.
• 5 months' arrears of 25-35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review amounting to an undisclosed total.
• 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears worth an undisclosed amount pending payment.
• Membership certificates for West African postgraduate membership awards will be issued to deserving candidates.

Sources:

• Daily Trust
• National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD)
• Federal Government of Nigeria