NARD Suspends Planned Strike as Shettima Intervenes, Ogun Doctors Comply
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has officially suspended the total, indefinite, and comprehensive strike action that was declared on Saturday. This decision comes in response to the Federal Government's planned reversal of the implementation of the reviewed Professional Allowance Table (PAT). The association announced that the suspension follows high-level interventions by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima and other critical stakeholders, who have been actively engaged in resolving the dispute.
Government Given Two-Week Ultimatum
In a communique issued after an emergency virtual National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, NARD stated that it has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to take concrete, measurable, and verifiable steps to address all outstanding demands. The NEC critically reviewed the outcomes of engagements with key figures, including:
- Vice President Kashim Shettima
- Minister of Health and Social Welfare
- Minister of Labour and Employment
- Minister of Finance
- Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS)
The association assessed the implications of these discussions on existing agreements, staff morale, and the sustainability of healthcare delivery nationwide. NARD emphasized that if the government fails to meet the demands within the stipulated timeframe, the NEC will not hesitate to resume the suspended strike action without further notice.
Key Demands and Assurances
NARD has outlined several critical demands that must be addressed by the Federal Government. These include:
- Immediate reversal of the decision to halt the implementation of the reviewed Professional Allowance Table.
- Immediate payment of all outstanding promotion arrears and salary arrears owed to resident doctors in affected institutions.
- Immediate processing and full payment of the outstanding 19 months of arrears for the Professional Allowance.
The association noted that it has received assurances from the Federal Government regarding its commitment to address these issues, including the planned reversal of the PAT implementation and other welfare concerns. However, NARD remains vigilant and insists on tangible progress within the two-week period.
Ogun State Doctors Join Suspension
In a related development, the association at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has joined the national body in suspending the nationwide strike. Dr. Quadri Olanipekun, President of NARD at FMC, confirmed that doctors at the hospital have complied with the national directive, extending the suspension to two weeks. He warned that if the Federal Government fails to fulfil its demands within this period, the doctors may resume the strike after the ultimatum expires. Olanipekun attributed the suspension to the intervention of high-profile personalities in government, highlighting the collaborative efforts to avert a prolonged healthcare crisis.
