Katsina Times

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its five-day warning strike, following concessions from the Federal Government on some of its demands.

NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, confirmed the suspension in a telephone interview with TheCable on Sunday, directing members to resume work immediately.

“The strike has been suspended. Some of our demands have been met, while the government has promised to address the others. We took this decision as a show of goodwill and to ease the burden on Nigerians who depend on our hospitals,” Osundara said.

He noted, however, that unresolved issues remain, including outstanding salary arrears, the devaluation of certificates issued by the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), and manpower shortages in public hospitals.

The union is also awaiting the release of a new salary structure being reviewed by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).

The strike, which commenced on Friday, had disrupted services in government-owned hospitals nationwide.

This is not the first time resident doctors have resorted to industrial action. In August 2021, NARD embarked on a strike that lasted over two months, crippling public healthcare and leaving patients stranded. Then, as now, the disputes centred on unpaid salaries, poor working conditions, and inadequate medical supplies.

Analysts say while the suspension offers temporary relief to patients, the recurring strikes reflect deep-rooted problems within Nigeria’s healthcare system.