Resident Doctors Begin Five-Day Warning Strike Over Unpaid Allowances
Resident Doctors Begin Five-Day Warning Strike Over Unpaid Allowances
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has commenced a five-day warning strike across the country, following what it described as the Federal Government’s failure to meet long-standing welfare demands.
The industrial action, which started on Friday morning, comes after the expiration of a fresh ultimatum issued to the government. According to NARD, repeated appeals and negotiations have not resolved issues relating to unpaid allowances, salary arrears, and poor working conditions for medical professionals.
In a statement confirming the strike, NARD Secretary-General, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, urged members in all centers to fully comply with the directive. He explained that the association’s leadership would continue to update members on the progress of the action.
The resident doctors argue that the government has consistently neglected agreements reached in previous negotiations. They maintain that the unresolved issues directly affect the morale of health workers and the delivery of quality healthcare services in Nigeria.
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The strike is expected to cause significant disruption in public hospitals, where resident doctors form the bulk of the medical workforce. Patients seeking treatment in federal and state-owned hospitals are likely to face delays and cancellations, while emergency services may also be strained.
NARD emphasized that the strike is only a warning and could escalate into a longer action if the government does not address their concerns. The association has in the past suspended similar strikes after assurances from the authorities, but many of those promises remain unfulfilled.
This latest action once again highlights the fragile state of Nigeria’s healthcare system, which has struggled with underfunding, brain drain, and poor infrastructure. Unless urgent steps are taken, observers warn that the situation could worsen, leaving patients and doctors in a cycle of strikes and unmet expectations.
Content Credit: Moyosola Oni
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