The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has decided to postpone its previously scheduled protest planned for today, August 9, 2023. In a statement during the Sunrise Daily breakfast program on Channels Television, NARD President Innocent Orji conveyed that while the protest has been put on hold, the ongoing industrial action by the association remains in effect.
Orji stated, “While we have delayed the commencement of the protest intended for this morning, the strike continues. A reassessment will be conducted within 72 hours, in accordance with the National Executive Council’s stance.”
Orji outlined eight significant demands put forth by his colleagues, highlighting the urgent need for the government to initiate new recruitment efforts to address the departure of healthcare professionals due to migration and unfortunate circumstances.
“The challenges faced by our members are mirrored in the broader plight of Nigerians. Inadequate doctor numbers within medical facilities inevitably impact the efficiency of healthcare delivery. We await a response to our concerns, as no contradictory evidence has been presented thus far,” he explained.
Furthermore, Orji pointed out the establishment of a ministerial committee by the government in February of the current year. He questioned why the guidelines generated by this committee have not been universally disseminated. He emphasized that timely circulation of these guidelines would counteract brain drain, allowing for the immediate recruitment of doctors upon their completion of education.
Orji concluded that the government’s commitment to addressing the Association’s requests has not been forthcoming.
The decision to defer the planned protest followed a meeting between NARD’s executive body and members of the Senate, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
On July 25, 2023, NARD initiated a “total and indefinite strike action” in response to the need for adequate doctor replacement due to departures from the healthcare system and the demand for a 200% increase in its members’ salary structure, among other grievances.
