The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called for an indefinite nationwide strike to begin on Monday, August 2.
The association’s President, Dr Okhuaihesuyi Uyilawa, stated this on Saturday while briefing reporters on the resolutions reached at its recently concluded 2021 National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Umuahia, Abia state capital.
Uyilawa stated that the strike became unavoidable after the 113-day ultimatum issued to the state and federal governments to address issues of welfare, training, and service delivery by resident doctors expired.
The group accused the Federal Government of being dishonest in following through on its promises to resident doctors contained in the Memorandum of Actions signed prior to the ultimatum’s issuance.
“As a result, the NEC unanimously resolved by vote to resume total and indefinite strike at 8 a.m. on Monday, August 2,” the group stated.
It also demanded that the Head of Service of the Federation withdraw the circular removing house officers from the scheme of service immediately.
While reiterating its unequivocal commitment to the smooth operation of the country’s health sector, it added, “We can only discharge our responsibilities to Nigerians when our lives and welfare are given the attention they deserve.”
The president of the NARD apologized to Nigerians for the organization’s decision to close medical services in public health institutions across the country.
He stated that the only way to end the incessant strikes was for the government to be sincere and responsive to their demands for better service conditions and workplace infrastructure.
The association decried the “poor condition of its members” working for the governments of Abia, Imo, Ondo, and Ado Ekiti.
It expressed regret that resident doctors in those states had not been paid for 19 months, seven months, four months, and two months, respectively.
It also expressed deep concern about most state governments’ failure to domesticate the Medical Residency Training (MRT) Act 2017.
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The group applauded the Delta, Benue, and Lagos State governments for blazing the trail in enacting the Act and urged others to follow in their footsteps.
It did, however, express concern that, despite being included in the supplementary budget, the federal government has yet to disburse the MRT Funds.
It also expressed concern about the government’s silence on the non-payment of the Minimum Wage Consequential Adjustment and the shortfall owed to its members.
The association also criticized the government for failing to review the N5, 000 hazard allowance, failing to remit dues, and failing to pay COVID-19 inducement allowances to its members.
It claimed that the acute shortage of its members’ manpower in public health institutions, exacerbated by the medical professions sustained brain drain, was having a “burn off” effect on its members.
According to the NARD president, 50 member chapters attended the week-long meeting, which had the theme “The Nigerian doctor: an endangered specie grappling with a pandemic, poor workplace infrastructure, and security threats.”
Resident doctors to begin indefinite/ (NAN)
