By John Ikani
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called off its planned industrial action following a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The doctors had earlier threatened to strike due to unmet demands, including an increase in the medical residency training fund, and non-payment of hazard allowances and minimum wage adjustments.
After reviewing the progress of their demands, NARD commended the Federal Government for releasing the updated circular on the medical residency training fund and praised the Minister of Labour and Employment for working towards improving their welfare.
The doctors however, called on the government to address all outstanding arrears and appealed to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to urge the governors of Abia, Ekiti, Imo, and Ondo to pay members’ salaries, which they say are owed for three months to 25 months.
Analysis
The recent decision by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to suspend its planned industrial action is a welcome development for the country’s healthcare system.
Their commendation is indicative that the Nigerian government is making progress in addressing some of the doctors’ demands, which ultimately led to the suspension of the planned strike.
While the suspension of the strike is a positive step, the fact remains that there are still outstanding arrears owed to the doctors and that some states are yet to pay their members’ salaries.
This highlights the need for the Federal Government and state governors to take a more proactive approach to address the welfare of healthcare workers as they play a crucial role in the country’s fight against illness and disease.
