The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its nationwide strike, which had disrupted healthcare services across the country.
The association has directed all members to resume work immediately following the suspension of the two-day industrial action.
Resident doctors had embarked on the strike on Friday morning after the expiration of a 24-hour grace period, which followed an earlier 10-day deadline issued on September 10.
Confirming the development in a statement on Sunday, NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, said the decision was taken after the federal government committed to begin immediate payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to beneficiaries.
“The strike has been suspended, and doctors are to resume work today. Some of our demands have been met, including the payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund. Government has also promised to look into other issues. We did this as a sign of goodwill and to assist Nigerians who are seeking healthcare in our various facilities,” Osundara said.
It was gathered that the Ministers of Labour and Employment, as well as Health and Social Welfare, met with NARD leadership over the weekend to convey the government’s decisions.
However, the association noted that several outstanding issues remain unresolved. These include unpaid arrears, the downgrade of membership certificates, manpower shortages, and the immediate release of a corrected circular on doctors’ remuneration by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).
NARD is also pressing for the settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review and other long-standing salary backlogs.
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