Doctors Extend Strike Ultimatum By Two Weeks

The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced an extension of its strike ultimatum by two weeks.

The Association in a communique issued by the National President, NARD, Uyilawa Okhuaihesuyi, stated that the extension will give the Federal Government more time to resolve all issues.

It stated that if the government fails to do the needful, the association will resume the suspended total and indefinite strike action.

“After extensive deliberations on all the issues affecting the welfare of our members and insincerity of government in fulfilling their promises, the OGM unanimously resolved that our ultimatum be extended by two weeks.

“This will further give the Federal Government more time to resolve all issues, failure of which the association shall resume the suspended total and indefinite strike action, after critical appraisal in an emergency meeting.”

Recall, the Association in March 2021 had hinted on a nationwide strike, due to poor welfare packages, unpaid salaries, and alleged ineptitude of Registrar of Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, MDCN, Dr Tajudeen Sanusi amongst other demands.

The Association in the communique said that the delays in payment of members on the GIFMIS platform for over four months had caused hardships for NARD members and urged the Federal Government to expedite action toward migrating members to IPPIS.

NARD also expressed concerns about the conditions of their members in Abia and Imo who were currently owed salary arreas of 21 and seven months, respectively.

The Association noting the willingness of the government to migrate members from the GIFMIS to the IPPIS platform, decried the lackluster behaviour exhibited by heads of government parastatal agencies to achieving this.

It said that the national minimum wage consequential adjustment and salary shortfalls had not been paid and directed Chief Medical Directors to submit lists of affected institutions and personnel strength.

It stated, “Our members are still in agony because of these delays and some House Officers are still being owed up to two months salaries.

“The OGM notes with dismay, the stale attitude of the Governors of Abia and Imo states and their appointees toward addressing the issues of payment of salaries for 21 months and seven months respectively.

“We note that teaching hospitals are grossly understaffed, and this is necessitated by the ongoing deadly brain drain killing the nation’s health care system.

“We are unequivocal in assuring members of the public that the NARD is committed to the smooth running of the health sector.

“However, we can only do so when our welfare is given the desired attention.”