Nigerian doctors plan nationwide protest
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced their plan to hold a nationwide protest on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, in the event that the Federal Government does not address their demands.
Despite having not engaged in an official meeting with the government since announcing the protest, the association has taken steps to mobilize its members for the upcoming demonstration.
Beginning on Wednesday, the NARD’s peaceful protests will target key locations, including the Federal Ministry of Health, the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, as well as federal and state tertiary health institutions across the country.
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This follows the commencement of an indefinite strike by NARD on July 26, 2023, following the expiration of a two-week ultimatum that had been issued to the government to meet the doctors’ demands.
The list of demands presented by the doctors covers several critical issues, such as the implementation of a one-for-one replacement policy for healthcare workers, a cessation of the downgrading of membership certificates issued by the West African Postgraduate Medical and Surgical Colleges, prompt settlement of salary arrears, adoption of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, an updated hazard allowance, and the domestication of the Medical Residency Training Act.
In contrast, the federal government issued a circular on August 1, 2023, instructing Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors in Federal Tertiary Hospitals to enforce a ‘no work, no pay’ policy concerning the striking NARD members.
Dr. Emeka Orji, the President of the association, confirmed that a ramping up of the strike is likely if the government does not address their demands by Wednesday at 10 am.
He indicated that preparations for the nationwide protest are fully underway, with participants congregating at the National Hospital in Abuja, and similar demonstrations taking place in other states.
Regarding the possibility of discussions with the government, Dr. Orji mentioned that while some government officials have shown interest in initiating conversations, an official invitation for a meeting has yet to be extended.
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