The Federal Government on Monday, June 1, commenced negotiations with the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to address the demands of resident doctors, in order to avert indefinite strike action by the association. This is coming as Nigeria passed the 10,000 mark for COVID-19 cases, with 7,266 active cases presently. On Saturday, May 30, NARD issued a 14-day ultimatum after which it plans to commence an indefinite strike action, if the Federal Government fails to meet its demands. The association made the announcement following its 40th Ordinary General Meeting which held virtually.
The demands made include the provision of adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) by the Federal and State governments for all health workers, and a stop to the harassment of doctors on legitimate duty by security agents. NARD also called for implementation of the revised hazard allowance, procurement of life insurance, payment of death benefit claims and COVID-19 inducement allowance for doctors in various health institutions. It also decried salary deductions of some of its members by State governments and demanded immediate refund. It will be recalled that some States, like Kaduna, slashed the salaries of government employees by 25 per cent, to fund COVID-19 interventions.
Among other demands, resident doctors are seeking the recall of their colleagues who were illegally disengaged and payment of their salaries, full inclusion of residency training fund in the 2021 Appropriation Act, and payment of arrears to its members at Federal and State tertiary health institutions, to reflect the new minimum wage. NARD also noted the shortage of medical staff in some health institutions.