The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its nationwide strike following the federal government’s commitment to commence immediate payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to beneficiaries.
NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, confirmed the suspension in a text message to THISDAY on Sunday, directing members to resume work immediately.
“Our strike has been suspended, doctors are to resume work today. Some of our demands have been met. One of them is the payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund. Government has also promised to look into other issues,” Osundara stated.
The resident doctors had embarked on strike on Friday after the expiration of a 24-hour grace period that followed their earlier 10-day ultimatum, which lapsed on September 10. The industrial action had disrupted healthcare delivery across the country.
It was learnt that the Ministers of Labour and Employment, as well as State for Health and Social Welfare, met with NARD leadership over the weekend to convey government’s decision.
According to Osundara, while the MRTF payment triggered the suspension, other demands remain unresolved. These include unpaid arrears, downgrade of membership certificates, manpower shortages, and the release of a corrected circular on remuneration for doctors from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).
NARD is also pressing for settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, alongside other long-standing salary backlog demands.
Osundara stressed that the decision to suspend the strike was taken in good faith. “We did this as a sign of goodwill and to assist Nigerians who are seeking healthcare in our various facilities,” he said.
Onyebuchi Ezigbo
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