Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors commence an indefinite strike Wednesday.
The decision came after the expiration of a two-week ultimatum issued to the federal government earlier in July, urging them to fulfill their promises.
Nigerian have expressed concern about the availability and quality of medical services during the period, even as the speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, met with NARD barely 48 hours ago, on July 24, urged the association “to understand that a new administration just came on board and that it was still in the process of settling down as Ministers were yet to assume office.”
However, the association, at 12am, downed tool over what it called “numerous demands” put forth by the doctors, which they said was not honoured by the government.
Foremost among their grievances is the immediate payment of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund.
Additionally, they demand the prompt release of the circular on one-for-one replacement.
The doctors are also demanding arrears and upward review of consolidated medical salary structure (CONMESS) in line with full salary restoration to the 2014 value of CONMESS.
Among their list of demands is the settlement of arrears of the consequential adjustment of minimum wage for doctors who were omitted from the initial implementation.
Furthermore, they insisted on the reversal of the downgrading of their membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
Apart from salary-related issues, the doctors are also advocating for the introduction of a new hazard allowance and they also want the implementation of corrected CONMESS in state health institutions and prompt payment of omitted hazard allowance arrears.
RN
