The Resident doctors commenced the industrial action on Friday, September 12, to press home their demands.
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its nationwide warning strike just two days after it commenced.
This was disclosed on Saturday night by the President of the association, Dr. Tope Osundara.
He directed all members of the association to resume their duties on Sunday, bringing temporary relief to the country’s overstretched public health sector.
NARD embarked on the industrial action on Friday, September 12, to press home several demands, including immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review, and clearance of longstanding salary backlogs.
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Other demands include payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, prompt disbursement of specialist allowances, and restoration of the recognition of West African postgraduate membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
The strike caused service disruptions in public hospitals nationwide, leaving consultants and other categories of health workers to manage increased workloads, resulting in delays for patients.
While calling off the warning strike, Osundara said, “Some of our demands have been met. The government has promised to look into other issues. Strike suspended; resumption to work tomorrow (today). We did this as a sign of goodwill and to assist Nigerians who are seeking healthcare in our various facilities.”
