Nigerian Resident Doctors Vow To Embark On Strike Over Non Payment Of Allowance

 

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a stern warning of initiating a new industrial action due to the outstanding accoutrement allowances owed to its members. This resolution emerged from their recent general assembly in Kaduna State. They instructed all regional chapters to give a two-week ultimatum to the chief medical directors and managing directors (CMDs/MDs) for the immediate settlement of these dues. Failure to comply will trigger nationwide industrial actions. The directive was formalized in a communique signed by Dr. Dele Abdullahi Olaitan, President; Dr. Anaduaka Christopher Obinna, Secretary General; and Dr. Egbe John Jonah, Public and Special Secretary.

Additionally, the resident doctors advocated for the eradication of doctor casualization to establish fair and consistent employment standards across the nation. They urged healthcare providers to expedite their migration to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) for streamlined payroll procedures. Furthermore, they stressed that any assault on medical personnel would lead to an immediate suspension of services until safety measures are guaranteed. They appealed to the National Assembly to pass legislation criminalizing assaults on healthcare workers and proposed a reduction in examination fees for the West African Colleges of Surgeons and Physicians to facilitate resident doctor registration.

The looming strike threat from the doctors coincides with the decision by the leadership of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to ease the nationwide strike initiated earlier. This development was disclosed following a joint extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held in Abuja. Representatives confirmed that negotiations with the federal government would proceed over the next week before a formal communique is issued.