BREAKING: Resident Doctors Give Update On Planned Protest, Ongoing Strike

BREAKING: Resident Doctors Give Update On Planned Protest, Ongoing Strike

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has decided to postpone its scheduled protest initially planned for Wednesday, August 9, 2023…CONTINUE READING

NARD’s President, Innocent Orji, conveyed this information during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily breakfast program. However, Orji clarified that the association’s ongoing industrial action remains in effect.

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Orji explained that while the protest has been temporarily halted, the strike action initiated by the association is ongoing. He stated that the National Executive Council’s stance is to reevaluate the situation in 72 hours.

Orji emphasized the challenges faced by their members and the impact on healthcare service delivery due to the shortage of doctors. He noted that both the doctors and the general public are suffering due to the inadequate number of medical professionals in hospitals.

According to Orji, the government formed a ministerial committee in February of the same year to devise guidelines aimed at reducing the brain drain among doctors. However, he pointed out that these guidelines have not been officially disseminated. He highlighted that the circularization of these guidelines would facilitate the immediate recruitment of doctors upon completing their education, ultimately curbing the brain drain.

Orji also asserted that the government has not demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing the Association’s demands. The decision to suspend the planned protest follows a meeting between NARD’s leadership and the Senate, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

NARD initially initiated a “total and indefinite strike action” on July 25, 2023, to protest the replacement of exiting doctors and to demand a 200% increase in the salary structure for its members, among other requests.