By Atoyebi Nike
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government a fresh 24-hour deadline to meet its outstanding demands or face an indefinite strike.
The decision followed a six-hour virtual meeting of the association’s National Executive Council on Wednesday, after the expiration of its earlier 10-day ultimatum.
NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, said doctors acknowledged government assurances but insisted on immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, five months’ salary arrears from the 25-35 per cent CONMESS review, and other backlogs.
The doctors are also demanding settlement of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, prompt release of specialist allowances, recognition of West African postgraduate certificates, and improved welfare in Kaduna and LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
Dr. Osundara told our correspondent that over 2,000 doctors are still awaiting disbursement of the training fund. He warned that if the demands are not met by Thursday, the strike will commence on Friday.
Resident doctors, who make up the bulk of Nigeria’s hospital workforce, play a critical role in healthcare delivery. Any withdrawal of their services is expected to cripple hospitals nationwide and leave patients stranded.
