Strike: We Are Fighting For Nigerians — Resident Doctors

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has stated that its decision to embark on strike over the failure of the federal government to meet its demands is aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians.

The doctors who stated this on Wednesday added that its stance on industrial action remains unchanged, demanding an increment in the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure to the tune of 200 per cent of the current gross salaries of doctors.

Among their demands is the immediate withdrawal of the bill seeking to compel medical and dental graduates to render five-year compulsory services in Nigeria before being granted full licence to practise.

In a chat with Punch, NARD President Dr Emeka Orji disclosed that the government is yet to make a counteroffer to their demands.

“The ultimatum is running, and as of today, there is no counter-offer, and we are hoping that the government will step in before the end of this week.

“This fight is for Nigerians, and that is why we are not looking back.

“We have talked a lot since last year, but unfortunately, it is making us believe that the Nigerian government will not listen until you get to the level of escalations that will end up in disharmony, and that is where we are now.

“All we hear are threats on national television, and each time they issue these threats on TV, it angers our members the more because if you are meant to be negotiating on how to resolve the issues and you are going on TV to issue threats, it means the government is not willing to find a solution to this.

“The threats may lead this country to another round of nationwide industrial crisis in the health sector”, he said.

“The meeting will focus on updating the members of our demands, if the government has responded and if their response is inadequate, then we cannot guarantee industrial harmony, but all options are on the table.

“If during that briefing, our members feel that nothing has been achieved, anything can happen”, Orji added.