Healthcare crisis looms as Nigerian Resident Doctors begin indefinite strike
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) announced a commencement of an indefinite strike on Tuesday night, citing the government’s failure to meet their demands.
NARD president, Dr. Emeka Orji, informed our correspondent that the strike is scheduled to begin on Wednesday morning, July 26, 2023.
The decision was reached during a meeting held by NARD’s NEC members on Tuesday in Lagos.
Dr. Orji outlined their demands, which include a 200 per cent salary increment, the replacement of doctors who have resigned, and the payment of the 2023 residency training allowance.
Dr. Orji expressed concern over the overworked state of their members due to inadequate manpower.
He emphasized that they can no longer afford to wait for the government to take action.
“We were asked by the SGF to hold on until last Friday, but nothing happened, and even now, there has been no progress,” he stated.
Dr. Orji further added, “Our hospitals are facing a shortage of doctors, and the few remaining doctors are burdened with excessive workloads. Among our current demands is the quick release of a circular to the CMDs, allowing them to promptly replace those who have left. Unfortunately, this process is inexplicably being delayed.”
