The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has ended its 17-day strike that began on July 26, 2023, due to progress made by the Federal Government in addressing their concerns.
President of NARD, Dr. Emeka Orji, revealed that talks with government officials and efforts by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, led to positive steps being taken. The National Executive Council of NARD decided to halt the strike as the government started addressing their issues.
Orji explained, “The 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund has been released, and steps are being taken for a one-for-one replacement of doctors, which should help with the shortage. We hope this will be effective in about two weeks.”
The strike suspension occurred after NARD members reviewed the government’s efforts and demands. Doctors are instructed to resume work by 8 am on Saturday, with a follow-up assessment in two weeks.
During the strike, doctors called for various improvements, including the immediate release of the Medical Residency Training Fund, a circular on one-for-one replacement, payment of skipping arrears, and restoring the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure to its 2014 value. NARD also demanded the reversal of membership certificate downgrading by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
This decision to end the strike came after the government’s steps towards meeting the doctors’ demands, marking a positive turn for both medical professionals and the country.