The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued the Federal Government a fresh 24-hour ultimatum to determine its next line of action.
The association had earlier issued a 10-day ultimatum to relevant government agencies, warning that members would embark on a nationwide strike if their demands were not met
This comes amid the strike by resident doctors in Abuja and Oyo State.
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Resident doctors, who constitute the majority of the medical workforce in teaching and specialist hospitals, have repeatedly gone on strike in recent years over unpaid wages, poor welfare, and inadequate working conditions.
The doctors are demanding immediate payment of the outstanding 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, and other long-standing salary backlogs.
Others are the payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, prompt disbursement of specialist allowances, and restoration of the recognition of the West African postgraduate membership certificates.
They also called on the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to issue membership certificates to all deserving candidates, implement the 2024 CONMESS, resolve outstanding welfare issues in Kaduna State, and address the plight of resident doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
Speaking to Daily Trust on Thursday, President of NARD, Dr. Tope Osundara said the decision to issue the fresh ultimatum followed a six-hour meeting of the association’s National Executive Council, held virtually on Wednesday.
According to him, the association acknowledged the government’s promise to address their concerns but insisted on immediate action.
He said: “The Federal Government called us yesterday and promised to address our concerns.
“We had our meeting and after a six-hour deliberation decided to give the government next 24 hours to ensure disbursements of MRTF to beneficiaries, for MDCN to upgrade our membership certificates and attend to our other demands.
“If nothing happens before the end of today (Thursday), we will commence the strike immediately tomorrow (Friday).
“The government should expedite action on the demands before them.”