Resident doctors threaten strike, give FG 14 days’ ultimatum

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to immediately implement all the agreements it entered with the association or it will embark on indefinite strike action.

The ultimatum was issued by NARD in Bauchi on Saturday at the end of its 2020 Ordinary General Meeting with the theme: ‘Health Inequalities and Social Determinants of Health in Nigeria.’

It also lamented the poor working condition of its members across the country.

The event held at the Multipurpose Hall of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi.

The National President, NARD, Dr Sokomba Aliyu, who read the communiqué at the end of the OGM, lamented that some of its members were intimidated, harassed and maltreated in Lagos, Kaduna and Plateau states and the Federal Capital Territory in the cause of performing their professional duty.

He faulted the sack of 26 of their members at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau State in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also faulted the Kaduna State Government for slashing the salaries of its members by 25 per cent.

Aliyu said, “NARD calls on the federal and state governments to provide protective gear such as N95 respirators and gloves to health workers. NARD demands the immediate recall of the sacked resident doctors at Jos University Teaching Hospital and payment of their salaries.

“NARD demands the immediate implementation of the revised hazard allowance, and the payment of COVID-19 inducement allowance. NARD condemns all illegal deductions from the salaries of our members by some state governments, and demand immediate refunds.

“NARD calls on security agencies to stop the harassment and assault on doctors while carrying out their legitimate activities.

“The association hereby issues a 14-day ultimatum to the government to meet her demands, failure of which the association cannot guarantee industrial harmony.”