The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced that it will commence a warning strike due to the failure of the federal government to meet its demands. The decision was made during an extraordinary national executive council meeting held on Monday.
The strike is scheduled to begin at 8 am on Wednesday, May 17, and will conclude at 8 am on Monday, May 22. NARD President, Orji Innocent, revealed that the association had previously issued a two-week ultimatum to the government to address their concerns. However, the government did not engage in negotiations or take substantial steps to address the issues raised by the association.
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One of the primary grievances of the resident doctors is the long-overdue review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), which has not been revised in over ten years. The association demands an immediate increment of 200% in the CONMESS salary structure, along with the inclusion of new allowances previously proposed in a letter to the Minister of Health.
Furthermore, NARD accused the federal government of failing to pay salary arrears for the years 2014, 2015, and 2016 to resident doctors. The association also called for the urgent recruitment of clinical staff in hospitals and the removal of bureaucratic hindrances to the prompt replacement of doctors who leave the healthcare system.
In addition to their ongoing concerns, the resident doctors strongly condemned a proposed bill that would require medical and dental practitioners to practice within Nigeria for five years before relocating abroad. NARD opposes this bill, asserting that it restricts the professional freedom of doctors.
The warning strike by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors serves as a powerful statement to draw attention to the unaddressed issues affecting doctors' welfare and the healthcare system in Nigeria. As the strike commences, the impact on healthcare services and patient care may be significant, necessitating urgent attention and resolution from the federal government.
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