Resident Doctors Suspend Planned Protest, Say Strike Continues

  

In a recent appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily breakfast programme, the President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Innocent Orji, shed light on the current status of their industrial action. While the planned protest that was slated to commence on Wednesday morning has been temporarily put on hold, the ongoing strike by the association continues unabated. Orji revealed that the National Executive Council has resolved to revisit the situation after a 72-hour interval.

Orji emphasized that the decision to suspend the protest does not signify a retreat from their demands. Rather, it is a strategic move to reassess their course of action. The NARD President reiterated the gravity of the situation, highlighting the urgent need to address the healthcare sector's challenges. He stressed that the lack of an adequate number of doctors in hospitals inevitably affects the quality of healthcare delivery, thereby affecting both the medical professionals and the general populace.

The heart of the matter lies in the association's eight fundamental demands, which they consider crucial for improving the healthcare landscape. One of the chief concerns is the depletion of medical staff due to factors like brain drain and unfortunate demises. Orji asserted that this issue must be promptly addressed to prevent further deterioration of the healthcare system. He questioned the government's delay in implementing the guidelines outlined by a ministerial committee, which was established earlier in the year. These guidelines are aimed at streamlining the recruitment process for new doctors, ultimately curbing the brain drain phenomenon.

Expressing his disappointment, Orji conveyed that the government's commitment to fulfilling the association's demands has been lacking. Despite previous dialogues and discussions, the desired progress has not been achieved. This sentiment underscores the association's persistence in advocating for better conditions for its members and an improved healthcare system for the nation.

The decision to suspend the planned protest stemmed from a recent meeting between the NARD executive and the Senate leadership, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The meeting provided an opportunity for dialogue and potential avenues for resolving the ongoing crisis. It is worth noting that the association embarked on a "total and indefinite strike action" on July 25, 2023, citing multiple grievances, including the need to address doctor shortages and a demand for a 200% increase in salary for its members.

As the situation unfolds, the fate of Nigeria's healthcare sector hangs in the balance. The actions taken by NARD and the response of the government will undoubtedly shape the future of medical services in the country. The journey toward a stronger, more resilient healthcare system continues, with the hope that meaningful solutions will be found to address the pressing concerns raised by the dedicated medical professionals of NARD.