Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) says its members will embark on peaceful protests nationwide from Wednesday, August 9, if the Federal Government fails to meet its demands.
This is contained in a notice issued on Saturday after the Association’s National Executive Council (E-NEC) virtual meeting and addressed to the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health.
The notice was signed by the President of the association, Dr Orji Emeka Innocent , and the Secretary-General, Dr Chikezie Kelechi.
The circular read in part, “We wish to bring to your notice, the decision of the National Executive Council of NARD to embark on daily peaceful protests and picketing of the Federal Ministry of Health, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, as well as all federal and state tertiary health institutions nationwide, with effect from Wednesday, August 9, 2023, by 10 am”.
According to the Association, the move is necessary to press home its demands which have not been met by the government.
NARD embarked on an indefinite strike on July 26, following the expiration of a two-week ultimatum it issued to the government.
The Doctors are demanding the implementation of the one-for-one replacement policy for healthcare workers; the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to discontinue the downgrading of the membership certificate issued by the West African Postgraduate Medical and Surgical Colleges; the immediate payment of all salary arrears; the implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure; a new hazard allowance; and the domestication of the Medical Residency Training Act.
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