Health

Strike Looms in Health Sector

By Web News 241

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke 

Resident doctors at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Thursday threw its weight behind the indefinite strike declared by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), scheduled to begin at midnight on Monday, January 12th 2026.

The decision was taken by the Association of Resident Doctors, ARD , Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, following an Emergency General Meeting held virtually, where members resolved to aligned with the national body over unresolved issues with the Federal Government.

Addressing journalists in Abeokuta, the Chairman of the association, Dr. Chidi Ikwumezie, represented by the Vice Chairman, Dr. Grace Adeniyi, said the decision followed the Federal Government’s failure to fully implement the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU signed with resident doctors in November 2025.

Dr. Ikwumezie noted that the MoU had led to the suspension of a 29-day industrial action at the time, but lamented that more than one month after the commitments were made, no tangible progress had been recorded. 

According to him, some of the demands include the immediate reinstatement of five resident doctors of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, payment of outstanding promotion and salary arrears and full implementation of the corrected professional allowance table, with arrears provided for in the 2026 Federal Budget.

The resident doctors appealed to relevant stakeholders, civil society organisations and the general public to prevail on the federal government to act urgently in the interest of the nation’s health sector and the welfare of medical professionals.

Edited by Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Health

Resident Doctors Suspend Nationwide Strike

By Web News 248

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its indefinite nationwide strike after reaching an agreement with the Federal Government.

In a post shared on his X handle on Saturday, NARD President, Mohammad Suleiman confirmed the suspension of the strike.

“The National Executive Council of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has resolved to suspend the ongoing total, indefinite and comprehensive strike action,” he wrote.

Suleiman said the suspension of the industrial action follows a series of conciliatory meetings with the Federal Government and the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that details the state of the 19-point demand of the association.

The NARD President listed outstanding issues to include the promotion arrears, noting that compilation has not been completed by the chief medical directors and/or medical directors (CMDs/MDs).

According to Suleiman, the deadline for the payment of the promotion arrears is in four weeks.

Weighing in on salary arrears, the NARD President said the deadline for the payment is four weeks, noting that the office of the head of the civil service of the federation (OHCSF) has provided a clear directive on the specialist allowance, with implementation to be handled by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).

He stated that a committee has recommended the reabsorption of the “Lokoja 5” into the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, with full implementation expected within two weeks.

Suleiman outlined the highlights of the MoU, including the ongoing processes for the payment of the 25 and 35 per cent allowances and the accoutrement allowance.

Channels TV/Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Education

FG Appeals to Striking Resident Doctors

By Web News 313

The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, has appealed to the striking doctors to suspend the strike, stating that the Federal Government has met most of their demands.

Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, the Minister said the Federal Government has cleared about 60 per cent of the backlog of arrears owed to health workers.

However, the President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, Dr. Mohammed Suleiman, emphasized the need for further dialogue to holistically address all outstanding issues.

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has stated that its nationwide “total, comprehensive, and indefinite” strike, which began on Saturday, will continue until the Federal Government fully meets its demands.

NARD listed several unresolved demands, including unpaid arrears, allowances, and entitlements such as the 25/35 percent CONMESS review, promotion arrears, upgrade arrears, and accoutrement allowance, some of which have been pending for over five years.

The association described these demands as the minimum necessary to sustain the nation’s healthcare system and uphold the dignity of medical practice.

Hours after NARD announced its indefinite strike, the Federal Government stated that it would release ₦11.99 billion within 72 hours to settle part of the salary and allowance arrears owed to medical professionals across the country.

Channels/Adebukola Aluko

Health

Resident Doctors Give FG fresh 24-hour Ultimatum

By Web News 357

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has issued the Federal Government a fresh 24-hour ultimatum to meet its outstanding demands, following the expiration of its earlier 10-day deadline on September 10.

The decision followed a six-hour meeting of the association’s National Executive Council, held virtually on Wednesday.

The President of NARD, Dr. Tope Osundara, said the association acknowledged the government’s promise to address their concerns but insisted on immediate action.

In a communiqué issued on September 1, 2025, and signed by NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara; General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi, the doctors demanded immediate payment of the outstanding 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, and other long-standing salary backlogs.

They also demanded the payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, prompt disbursement of specialist allowances, and restoration of the recognition of the West African postgraduate membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.

In addition, they called on the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to issue membership certificates to all deserving candidates, implement the 2024 Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, resolve outstanding welfare issues in Kaduna State, and address the plight of resident doctors at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.

Resident doctors form the backbone of Nigeria’s public health system, providing a large share of clinical services in federal and state hospitals. Any strike action by the association often paralyses healthcare delivery, leaving patients stranded and hospitals overstretched.

Speaking with our correspondent on Thursday, Dr. Osundara said, “The Federal Government called us yesterday (Wednesday) and promised to address our concerns.

“After a six-hour deliberation, we decided to give the government the next 24 hours to ensure the disbursement of the Medical Residency Training Fund to beneficiaries, for the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to upgrade our membership certificates, and to attend to our other demands.

“If there is no payment by today (Thursday), then tomorrow (Friday), we will start the strike immediately.”

According to him, more than 2,000 resident doctors across the country are still awaiting payment of the MRTF.

Punch/Olaolu Fawole

Health

Resident Doctors Issue 10-Day Strike Ultimatum over Unmet Demands

By Web News 374

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, has issued a fresh 10-day ultimatum to the federal government and other relevant authorities, warning of an imminent nationwide strike if its outstanding demands are not addressed.

The resolution is contained in a communiqué signed by NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara; General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi, following an Extraordinary National Executive Council, E-NEC meeting held virtually on Sunday.

The association recalled that, it had in July given a three-week ultimatum before extending the deadline by another three weeks to allow for further dialogue with stakeholders.

However, it expressed disappointment that the government has yet to fulfill its promises.

According to NARD, many resident doctors are still unpaid for their 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, MRTF.

It also decried the failure to settle five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, CONMESS, review, along with other longstanding salary arrears.

The doctors further condemned the non-payment of the 2024 Accoutrement Allowance, as well as what they described as the “unjust downgrading” of membership certificates of the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, MDCN.

They also faulted the persistent delay in issuing certificates to successful candidates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, NPMCN.

On state-level issues, NARD criticized the Kaduna State Government for failing to honour agreements with members at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, despite signed Memoranda of Understanding.

I’mIt also accused the Oyo State Government of neglecting the welfare concerns of doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho, where an indefinite strike is ongoing.

While commending states that have paid the 2025 MRTF, the E-NEC demanded immediate action from the Federal Government and state governors.

Among its key demands were immediate payment of the 2025 MRTF to all eligible resident doctors; Settlement of outstanding five months’ arrears of CONMESS and other salary backlogs; Payment of the 2024 Accoutrement Allowance and commencement of specialist allowance payments to all doctors.
Others are the restoration of recognition for the West African postgraduate membership certificates by the MDCN, prompt issuance of membership certificates by the NPMCN and implementation of the 2024 CONMESS in Kaduna State and resolution of welfare concerns in Oyo State.

The communiqué emphasizes that all state governors must prioritize the welfare of doctors to curb emigration and ensure industrial harmony in the health sector.

“The E-NEC extends the ultimatum by a final 10 days to all relevant government agencies to meet these demands. Failure to do so by Wednesday, September 10, 2025, will leave us with no option but to embark on a nationwide strike,” the association warned.

Vanguard/Adetutu Adetule/Taiwo Akinola

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Health

Respite for UCH Patients Following NARD’s Strike Suspension

By Web News 468

By Lilian Ibomor

Following the suspension of strike by resident doctors, normal activities have resumed at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan.

Our correspondent reports that patients were being attended to.

Two relatives of patients Mr Adebayo Akinade and Mrs Bolu Adeshina noted that if the present Government can keep attending to issues urgently, there would be no need for strike actions in the country.

The relatives said it would be a great thing if mass exodus of doctors can be stopped to avoid losing good hands in the country. 

The president of NARD, Emeka Orji, had on earlier said the association decided to suspend the strike due to significant moves by the federal government to address its demands.

NARD had on July 26 this year declared a “total and indefinite strike action” following failure of Federal Government to meet their demands which included the immediate payment of the 2023 MRTF, the immediate release of the circular on one-for-one replacement, and the payment of skipping arrears.

However, the Association eventually called off the industrial action on 11 August, 2023.

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Health

Patients Groan amidst UCH Resident Doctors’ Strike

By Web News 532

By Abisola Oluremi

Relatives of patients on admission at the University College Hospital, UCH ,Ibadan have appealed to the authority and other stakeholders to urgently address the industrial action embarked upon by the National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, UCH branch.

 The people made the appeal after the hospital ejected patients on admission due to the three weeks warning strike by the association.

 One of them Mr kazeem Ayilara lamented that his mother was advised to seek medical care elsewhere due to the strike.

Speaking on the development , the President, National Association of Resident Doctors, UCH branch, Dr Abiodun Ogundipe  explained that the strike was necessary following the failure of the hospital management to meet their demands.

 He said part of the demands include payment of salaries of over two hundred and fifty doctors that were recruited in May this year.

 Doctor Ogundipe added that the strike would continue at the expiration of the three weeks warning.

Health

Osun Resident Doctors Shun Strike as Govt Intervenes

By Web News 1646

By Funmi Adekoya

The National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, of the Osun State University Teaching Hospital says it will not be joining the ongoing national strike.

This was the outcome of a close-door meeting with Governor Ademola Adeleke as contained in a statement by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, where the 12 years demands of the doctors were approved by the Governor.

At the meeting attended by the leadership of the union and management of the teaching hospital, Governor Adeleke approved with immediate effect the payment of hazard allowance for clinical and non-clinical workers in the service of the state teaching hospital.

The Governor also approved payment of a percentage of residency training allowance for residency doctors for the same hospital on an annual basis.

Reacting to the presentation by the President of the medical union, Dr. John Ojo, Governor Adeleke further directed that all other operational issues raised by the union should be looked into with immediate effect.

He however charged the medical workers to reciprocate the gesture of the state government by re-dedicating themselves to excellent service delivery.

Elated resident doctors at the meeting jubilated and appreciated the Governor for fulfilling a 12 year old dream of the resident doctors.

It would be recalled that NARD had on 29 April issued a two-week ultimatum to government to meet its demands or face industrial action.

The warning strike commenced at 8 a.m on Wednesday 17 May and end at 8 a.m Monday, 22 May.

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Health

FG, NARD Commence Discussions on Demands

By Web News 869

The Federal Government has commenced discussions with the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors over the demands of the doctors.

The Publicity Secretary of NARD, Dr. Yusuf Alfa, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen.

The resident doctors had on July 30, 2022, issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to implement all the agreements it had with the association or it will embark on an indefinite strike.

The doctors are asking the Federal Government to expedite action on the payment of the newly reviewed Medical Residency Training Fund to enable its members to meet up with the closing date of examination registration as advertised by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.

They are also demanding the immediate implementation and payment of the new hazard allowance and arrears as contained in the circular from the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission.

NARD is seeking the payment of the skipping arrears for 2014, 2015, and 2016 to deserving members; the immediate payment of consequential adjustment of the minimum wage to members who have been deprived since it was implemented several years ago.

Other demands include an immediate review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure and other related allowances given the current economic situation in the country; payment of salary arrears for doctors in Abia (26 months), Imo (10 months), Ondo (five months), Ekiti (three months), and Gombe (two months) states; among others.

Meanwhile, Dr. Alfa said the association is meeting with government officials regarding its demands.

 “We are meeting with government officials but not directly a round-table discussion that involves everybody. We are meeting government officials as regards how to solve the issues before the expiration of the ultimatum.

“So far, so good, we are getting some positive responses from those we are meeting but it has not transmitted to what we want. On the state governors owing our members months of salaries, some of them promised to pay part of it but nothing has been done.

“As regards the hazard allowance, and Medical Residency Training Fund, there is some progress being made even though it’s slow but we will hope that all of these are resolved before the expiration of our ultimatum.

“We have gotten some circulars regarding the MRTF but the monetary aspect of it is yet to come. For the hazard allowance, the process is ongoing but we have not seen anything regarding the payment yet.”

When contacted for comments, the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire did not respond to calls or the text message sent to him as of the time of filing this report.

Punch/Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Health

Patients In Ogun Advocate Urgent Implementation Of Doctors’ Demand

By Web News 669

Patients at the Federal Medical Centre, Idi Aba, Abeokuta have appealed to the Federal government to fast track the implementation of the agreement reached with residents’ doctors to avoid another strike.

They made the call while speaking with Radio Nigeria in Abeokuta on the suspension of the strike embarked upon by resident doctors

A trader, Mrs Taiwo Ajala who commended both parties for reaching a consensus  said there was the need to government to design a mechanism to avert incessant industrial action in the health sector.

Mrs Ajani who described the striking period as devastating said the residents doctors had been attending to patients.

Also, a commercial driver, Mr Idowu Tanimola who brought his relative said he was pleased with the resumption of the doctors.

Radio Nigeria correspondent who visited the tertiary institution reports that normal medical and health care services have resumed.

The Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre,  Professor Adewale Musa-Olomu who also monitored the resumption of duty by the doctors expressed satisfaction with the latest development.

Olusegun Folarin

Yoruba

Àwọn Dókítà Padà Sẹ́nu Isẹ́ Lẹ́yìn Ìyansẹ́lódì Olósù Méjì

By Web News 705

Gbogbo ǹkan ló ti padà bọ̀ sípò báyi nílé ìwòsàn ẹ̀kọ́sẹ́ ìsègùn òyìnbó ìlú ìbàdàn ìyẹn UCH, lẹ́yìn osù diẹ tí ẹgbẹ́ àwọn dókítà tó n fìmọ̀ kún ìmọ̀ láwọn ilé ìwòsàn ìjọba àpapọ̀ ti dasẹ́ sílẹ̀.

Gẹ́gẹ́bí akọ̀ròyìn ilé isẹ́ Radio Nigeria sewí, àwọn dókítà tọ́rọkàn ni wọ́n se isẹ́ wọn bóse tọ́ lóni.

Àarẹ ẹgbẹ́ náà nílè ìwòsàn UCH, ìbàdàn, Dókítà Temitọpẹ Hussein tó wà níkàlẹ̀ láti ri dájú pé gbogbo ǹkan lọ bóse tọ́ sàlàyé pé ìdákan àti àbọ̀ ìbere wọn ló ti di mímúsẹ báyi.

Dókítà Hussein sàlàyé pé ẹgbẹ́ NARD, ló bèrè fún àgbéyẹ̀wò owó ìrànwọ́ ewu ẹnu isẹ́ àti sísan owó ìrànwọ́ èwu tó rọ̀mọ́ ti covid tó fi mọ́ sísan àjẹsílẹ̀ owó osù àwọn.

Ẹwẹ, ẹnìkan tójẹ́ mọ̀lẹ́bí ẹnìkan tón gbàtọ́jú lọ́wọ́ tí kò fẹ kí wọ́n dárúkọ òhun, sọpé òun si nígbàgbọ́ tó kún nínú ilé ìwòsàn ìjọba ju ti aládani lọ.

Ilé isẹ́ Radio Nigeria jábọ̀ pé ìwọ̀nba aláisan péréte lówá nínú ilé ìwòsàn náà.

Tába gbàgbé pé ọjọ́ àikú Sunday ni ẹgbẹ́ àwọn dókítà tón fìmọ̀ kúmọ̀ láwọn ilé ìwòsàn ìjọba àpapọ̀ sélérí àti padà sẹ́nu isẹ́ léyi ìpàdé tí wọ́n se pẹ̀lú ìjọba àpapọ̀.

Lilian Ibomor/Ayọdele Ọlaọpa

Health

UCH Comes Back To Life, As Striking Resident Doctors Resume

By Web News 929

Activities have resumed at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan after months of strike action by the National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD.

The Resident Doctors were seen with bright faces ready for the day’s work.

Relatives of patients on their part heave a sigh of relief due to the development.

President, NARD, UCH Ibadan, Dr. Temitope Hussein who was also on the ground to ensure everything was running smoothly, said one point five percent of their demands have been met.

A relative of a patient who does not want her name mentioned said she had so much trust in the hospital than any private hospital.

Radio Nigeria observed that there were few patients in the hospital.

It would be recalled that the NARD had on Sunday promised to return to work today after a meeting with the Federal Government.

Lilian Ibomor

Health

NARD Members To Resume Work

By Web News 721

Members of the National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, have resolved to suspend their two months old industrial action.

At their emergency national executive council meeting, held in Abuja yesterday, NARD resolved to go back to work beginning from 8am this Wednesday.

Earlier, during the meeting, the doctors had a very long debate over how to proceed with the dispute with the government, resulting in a vote.

NARD representative at the university college hospital, UCH, Ibadan, Doctor Temitope Hussain, confirmed that work will resumes on the said day.

The resident doctors had gone on strike to demand the implementation of the memorandum of agreement they reached with federal government and to protest the alleged non-payment of arrears of salaries and allowances to some of their members.

 Lilian Ibomor

Health News

ODHA Begs Doctors On Strike To Resume Work

By Web News 707

The Ondo State House of Assembly has appealed to the Doctors’ on strike to please toe the line of peace and return to work in the interest of the good people.

Efforts to resolve the industrial dispute generated by the striking members of the Nigeria Medical Association in Ondo State had hit the rock.

Deliberating on the development on Thursday at plenary, Lawmakers in the Ondo State House of Assembly expressed deep concern on the aftermath of the strike on the people.

They noted that the strike had triggered mortality among patients who now have to patronize quack doctors because they lack the wherewithal to attend standard hospitals in view of the high charges placed on them.

The Lawmakers appealed to relevant authorities to find a way of procuring an amicable solution to the industrial crisis which has triggered brain-drain amongst medical personnel in the state 

Speaking on the development, the Speaker, Mr Bamidele Oleyelogun noted that the industrial dispute has lasted for so long and there is need to put an end to it. 

Mr Oleyelogun called for a tripartite meeting which would involve Medical personnel, the executive and the Legislative arms with a view to fashion out an amicable solution to the lingering crisis.

Olumide Abudu

Health

Resident Doctors Hold NEC Meeting, Resolve To Continue Strike

By Web News 612

Members of the National Executive Council of the striking Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors have met and resolved to continue the ongoing strike despite efforts made by the Federal Government and the order of the National Industrial Court.

The association’s position was contained in a communique issued at the end of the meeting made available to journalists on Thursday.

The communique was jointly signed by the President of NARD, Okhuaihesuyi Uyilawa; Secretary General, Jerry Isogun; and Publicity Secretary, Dotun Oshikoya.

It was titled ‘Communique issued at the end of an extraordinary National Executive Council meeting of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors.’

According to the communique, members of NEC reviewed the efforts of government and resolved to continue with the industrial action until all their demands are met.

“After critical appraisal of the actions of both federal and state governments on all the issues affecting the welfare of our members as observed above and the perpetual insincerity from government as evidence by the reckless ex parte injunctions sought by the government and the ambiguity in the interpretation of the ruling of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, the NEC unanimously agreed via vote to sustain the ongoing industrial action until her demands are met as contained in the MOA signed more than 140 days ago and the recent MOU signed between the government and NMA,” it read.

In coming to the conclusion, the NARD decried what it described as the nonchalant attitude of government officials towards the sufferings of Nigerian doctors.

Specifically, it faulted the decision of the Federal Government to approach the National Industrial Court to stop the strike.

PUNCH

Health

Doctors Continue Strike Despite Court Order

By Web News 649

The National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD in all the 36 states of the Federation to immediately call off its strike action to resume duties forthwith until the hearing and determination of the motion on notice challenging their action.

The vacation Judge, Justice John Targema, also ordered the Federal Government to suspend all forms of hostilities and maintain the status quo.

Justice Targema said he granted the application after careful consideration of the processes filed by the applicants.

He further ordered that a hearing notice be issued; and along with other processes, be served on the respondent and proof of service kept in the case file before the next adjourned date.

Justice Targema, therefore, adjourned until the 15th of next month for the hearing.

The Ministry of Health and the Federal government through the Ministry of Labour had approached the court through an exparte motion, praying for an order of the court to restrain members of the respondent in all States of the Federation from further continuing with the industrial action they started on the second of this month.

In the meantime, the striking resident doctors remained adamant, as the Federal Government hailed the ruling of the Industrial Court, NIC.

National President of NARD, Dr.  Osakhuesuyi Uyilawa, said that until the doctors were served with court papers, the strike continues.

FRCN, Abuja

Health

Resident Doctors in Ondo Commence Indefinite Strike

By Web News 648

Resident Doctors at the Federal Medical Centre Owo and UNIMED Akure Annexe in Ondo state have deserted various wards and offices within the facilities in compliance with the directive of the National Association of Resident Doctors NARD, asking its members to proceed on an indefinite strike.

According to the NARD, the strike was necessitated by some critical factors among which are poor working environment in public hospitals, irregular payment of doctor’s salaries and hazard allowances of ₦5000 which was last reviewed in 1991.

The doctors were conspicuously absent at the hospitals yesterday which was the first day of the industrial action.

Speaking with Radio Nigeria, the Chairman of NARD in Ondo state, Dr Tope Olatilu said members would not renege on the strike action until the Federal government implemented the agreements it entered with the union after before suspending the previous strike.

Dr Olatilu said it was disheartening that government was being insensitive to their plights as well as the health of Nigerians.

Bukola Bardi

News

NARD Accuses FG of Insincerity, Begins Indefinite Strike

By Web News 668

Doctors under the aegis of the National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, have unanimously agreed to embark on an indefinite strike from Monday, August 2, 2021.

This is coming at a very critical time when the country is currently experiencing a rise in COVID-19 infections; the signal of a third wave of the pandemic.

The doctors reached the decision after their National Executive Council, NEC, meeting by over 50 members across the country.

They noted the Federal Government has failed to honour and implement the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it signed with them after over 100 days.

The doctors particularly demanded immediate withdrawal of the circular removing House Officers from the scheme of service, which was not implemented.

President of the NARD, Dr. Uyilawa Okhuaihesuyi, who made these known in a statement, also noted despite efforts by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila to ensure the Medical Residency Training Funds is captured in the supplementary budget, the Federal Government has failed to disburse the funds to its members.

He said: “The NEC noted the suspension of the total indefinite strike action One Hundred and Thirteen (113) days ago due to Government promises as entailed in the Memorandum of Actions (MOA) signed at the instance of the Minister of Labour, Dr. Chris Ngige.”

“The NEC also noted the efforts of the Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives in ensuring that the Medical Residency Training Funds is captured in the supplementary budget. They however frowned at the delay by the Federal Government in disbursing the funds to our members.”

“They decried the undue hardship our members on GIFMIS platform are facing due to the delays in payment of their salaries ranging from three to seven months.”

“The NEC noted that despite government’s promise to migrate her members from the GIFMIS to the IPPIS platform, they are still stuck on the GIFMIS platform which is laced with payment irregularities.”

“The NEC noted with grievous concerns the circular from the Head of Service of the Federation removing House Officers from the scheme of service and the consequent implementation by the Lagos State Government. They also observed that some House Officers are still being owed 1-2 months’ salaries.”

“The NEC noted that bench fee for outside postings by Resident Doctors has been abolished, however, some Chief Medical Directors have renamed the bench fee as training fee causing hardship on her members.”

“NEC noted that with regards to the non-payment of the National Minimum Wage Consequential Adjustment, the list of affected institutions and personnel strength had since been submitted to the Federal Ministry of Health as directed by the MOA signed with the Federal Government yet nothing has been done.”

Culled from The Nation

Health

NARD Calls For Domestication Of Medical Training Act 2017

By Web News 910

The National Executive Council of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, has urged defaulting state governments to domesticate the Medical Residency Training Act 2017, in order to maintain industrial harmony with members across the country.

This was contained in a communique after a virtual emergency meeting launched from the Delta State Teaching Hospital in Oghara.

According to the statement signed by the President of the association, Dr. Uyilawa Okhuaihesuyi and the General Secretary, Dr. Jerry Isogun, the law when adopted would address some challenges such as forceful payment of bench fees in some Teaching Hospitals, undue exit of members and salary arrears in states like Ondo, Imo, Kaduna, Lagos, Abia and Ekiti.

The group also advocated the transfer of its members to the IPPIS platform to avoid accumulation of salary arrears and to ease the overall training process.

The Executive Council requested an upward review of the Hazard Allowance to Resident Doctors which currently stands at five thousand naira monthly, despite the health dangers associated with the profession.

They also demanded the immediate payment of all COVID-19 induced allowances by state governments as was done for colleagues in federal institutions.

On the 2021 Medical Residency Training Fund, the statement tasked the relevant agencies in the health ministry to complete the process of approval of the funds by the end of this month.

The NARD, however, commended President Mohammadu Buhari’s administration and some state governments for the numerous collaborations with the body, geared towards ensuring industrial harmony in the health sector.

Over two hundred and fifty present and past leaders of the Association of Resident Doctors in Nigeria participated in the virtual summit.

Oghenero Eghweree

Yoruba

Egbe awon dokita nile iwosan U.C.H. Ibadan gunle iyanselodi alainigbedeke

By Web News 701

Awon onisegun oyinbo to ngba imo kun imo, lati di akosemose nile iwosan nla UCH Ibadan ti gunle iyanselodi alainigbedeke.

Aare egbe awon onisegun oyinbo ohun ni ile iwosan nla UCH, Dokita Zakariyau Hussein fidi eyi mule lasiko to nba ilese Radio Nigeria soro.

Dokita Hussein t’okasi pe igbese naa waye lati fi aidunuwon han, nitori awon akinegbe won ti ko rowo osu gba lati osu kini odun yii

Dokita Hussein ko sai wa ro ijoba lati fii oruko awon dokita t’orokan sowo sajo toun risi ilana igbalode owo osu sisan fawon osise oba, IPPIS.

Elizabeth Idogbe/Titilayo Kupoliyi

Health

NARD Hails Kogi Governor On implementation Of CONMESS

By Web News 703

Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), has commended Kogi State Government for the implementation of the 2014 revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), and proper placement of doctors in the State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja, and in other state-owned hospitals.

In a statement jointly signed by the Leader of North Central Caucus of the Association, Dr. Abdulquadri Idrisu and his deputy, Dr. Emmanuel Kelvin, the Association notes that in the last one year, NARD had reached out to the government on various times on the need to implement the medical salary scale.

While thanking Governor Bello for his understanding, the group further commended his giant strides on infrastructural development particularly in health sector since he assumed office and urged him to sustain the efforts.

The statement notes that the implementation of the medical salary scale is a relief for the state resident doctors which will go a long way in addressing some challenges in health sector.

Members of the Association also assured Governor Bello of their total commitment for effective service delivery in saving the lives of the people of the state. 

Olaolu Fawole

News Analysis

Incessant Labour Unrest and It’s Implications.

By Web News 880

A harmonious, peaceful and orderly work place is essential and needed to guarantee satisfaction of employees and employers’ for enhanced productivity.

However, whenever there is conflict in the interest of parties, industrial unrest and crisis becomes inevitable and unavoidable. 

Research has shown that disharmony between workers and their employers’ often centre on poor remuneration, inadequate welfare, non payment of salaries and allowances as and when due.

Other factors for industrial actions are unconducive working environment, delay in promotion and breach of contractual agreement. 

Recently, Nigeria was plugged into a season of industrial action, especially in health, education, oil and gas as well as the civil service. 

This harvest of strikes include the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, COAESU, Joint Health Staff Union, JOHESU, NARD, NUPENG and PENGASSAN. 

A national  strike planned for last month was averted at the last minute by the federal government.

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and Trade Union Congress, TUC had threatened to lead Nigeria workers on an indefinite strike due to electricity tariffs increase and fuel price hike that worsened living condition in the country.

While industrial action is the statutory right of workers to press home their demands, the result of such unfortunate happening is socio economic paralysis in the various sectors of national life. 

Incessant strikes often lead to brain drain which is why there is exodus of the country’s trained personnel and professionals to other countries of the world in search of greener pasture.

In moving forward, there is the need to ensure industrial harmony between government at all levels and in the private sector to minimize the adverse effects of labour unrest on the socio economic life of the citizenry.

Government should fast track and implement policies that can reduce inflation and ameliorate the poor living condition of the people and help to decrease the level of employer and employee frictions in the country.

Dialogue should be encouraged at all time while government should not wait for workers to embark on strike before meeting their legitimate demands. 

Since it is evident that industrial welfare is an ill wind that blows no one any good, ensuring a sound and harmonious workplace relation is essential not only to the workers but the entire society.

Tayo Sanni