Strike: Resident Doctors’ 14-Day Ultimatum To FG Begins Today

The 14-day ultimatum issued by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to the federal government begins today, October 1, with the doctors demanding action on outstanding welfare and remuneration issues.

NARD had, at its 46th Annual General Meeting in Calabar, Cross River State, given the federal government 14 days beginning October 1 to address its unresolved demands or face further industrial action.

The demands include issues relating to the implementation of agreements reached with the federal government, remuneration and welfare of resident doctors, as well as other outstanding matters affecting doctors in training and service.

NARD President, Dr. OGAR Emmanuel Idoko had said the association remained open to negotiations with the government, but stressed the need for concrete action on the issues raised.

The ultimatum is the latest in a series of warnings by resident doctors over unresolved welfare concerns, which have repeatedly resulted in tensions between the association and the federal government.

The association had previously engaged the government over the payment of outstanding allowances, review of remuneration and other conditions of service.

As the 14-day window begins today, attention is now on whether the federal government will reach an agreement with the doctors before the deadline and avert another disruption to medical services in public hospitals.

NARD has maintained that its preference is for dialogue and resolution of the outstanding issues, but warned that failure to address its demands could lead to further industrial action.