BREAKING: Resident doctors suspend strike

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its two-day warning strike, directing members to return to work immediately.

The industrial action, which began on Friday morning, was called off on Saturday night, with doctors resuming duty today (Sunday).

Confirming the development, NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, said the decision followed consultations within the association.

He said, “Some of our demands have been met. The government has promised to look into other issues. Strike suspended; resumption to work tomorrow (today). We did this as a sign of goodwill and to assist Nigerians who are seeking healthcare in our various facilities.”

As of press time, Osundara had not provided details of the specific demands that were addressed.

The strike had disrupted services in public hospitals nationwide. Consultants and other health workers were left to handle the heavy caseload, leading to overstretched facilities and long delays for patients.

The doctors had embarked on the strike to demand the immediate payment of the outstanding 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund and the settlement of five months’ arrears arising from the 25–35 per cent review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure.

They also sought the clearance of other long-standing salary backlogs, the payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, and the prompt disbursement of specialist allowances.

In addition, NARD called for the restoration of the recognition of the West African postgraduate membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, the issuance of membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to all qualified candidates, the implementation of the 2024 CONMESS, and the resolution of welfare challenges facing doctors in Kaduna State.

The association further urged authorities to urgently address the plight of resident doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.

More details to follow…

(Punch)