Resident doctors suspend planned strike

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has put on hold its planned nationwide strike scheduled to begin on January 12.

The decision was contained in a statement released on Sunday by the association’s secretary-general, Shuaibu Ibrahim.

NARD had earlier declared the industrial action in an update shared after its Emergency National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting on January 2.

However, in the statement announcing the suspension, Ibrahim said the decision was taken during the national executive council (E-NEC) meeting held on Sunday, January 11.

The NARD secretary-general explained that members assessed the state of their demands and evaluated progress achieved through engagements with key stakeholders.

He added that the association suspended the planned strike following firm commitments secured from critical actors, credited to the intervention of Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

According to the statement, “Status of our demands: The report of the earlier committee set up by the federal ministry of health and social welfare (FMoH&SW) has been implemented. Additionally, a new reconciliation committee comprising CCMDs, MoH&SW, and NARD has been established to ensure all our members remain in FTH Lokoja and also to broker lasting peace between ARD FTH Lokoja and MDCAN FTH Lokoja, fostering harmony among parties.”

“Verified lists have been forwarded to IPPIS. The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (FMoLE) has written to the Federal Ministry of Finance (FMoF) and with attention to IPPIS. NARD will continue close follow-up to ensure prompt payment.”

“Lists have been transmitted by the FMoH&SW to the FMoF and Budget Office. Importantly, the Honourable Minister of State for Finance has acknowledged it and NARD is now engaging to ensure a clear and expedited payment plan.”

On entry-level placement concerns, NARD said: “The Director of Hospital Services (DHS) at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoH & SW) is to communicate with the Chief Executives of hospitals regarding a clarification issued by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF). This clarification is to emphasise that CONMESS 3 is the recognized entry-level.”