The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has taken a decisive step by declaring an indefinite strike, starting today, Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at 12 am. This decision was reached during the July National Executive Council meeting held in Lagos, as announced by NARD President, Dr. Emeka Orji.
The doctors are demanding urgent action on several crucial issues that have been unresolved since January. At the forefront of their demands is the implementation of the one-for-one replacement policy for healthcare workers. The doctors express grave concerns over the increasing workload due to understaffing caused by colleagues leaving the profession without adequate replacements. This dire situation is not only affecting the quality of care but also putting immense strain on the doctors who remain in service, leading to tragic incidents like the recent death of a doctor in Bayelsa State.
Another pressing issue is the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria’s downgrading of the membership certificate issued by the West African Postgraduate Medical and Surgical Colleges. The doctors seek an immediate halt to this practice, which they believe undermines their professional standing and hampers career progression.
The unresolved salary arrears have also fueled discontent among doctors, further highlighting the need for urgent financial reforms. The implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure and a new hazard allowance is demanded to ensure fair and adequate remuneration for the doctors’ invaluable services, especially during challenging times like the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Beyond financial concerns, the doctors advocate for the domestication of the Medical Residency Training Act, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive and standardized residency programs that offer continuous professional development and ensure high-quality medical education for future generations.
Dr. Orji expressed frustration at the lack of progress in addressing these critical issues. The doctors feel that their pleas have fallen on deaf ears, and despite past government interventions, their concerns remain unaddressed. The growing discontent within the medical community has reached a tipping point, leading to the decision to embark on this indefinite strike.
