The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has stipulated that two specific conditions must be met in order to terminate their ongoing indefinite strike, which commenced on July 26. These conditions are the issuance of a circular outlining a one-for-one replacement of clinical personnel and the disbursement of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund.
Dr. Emeka Orji, the National President of NARD, conveyed this information during an interview with a correspondent on Wednesday. Dr. Orji revealed that despite the suspension of their planned nationwide protest, the association has granted the Federal Government a 72-hour window to address some of their immediate demands and bring an end to the strike.
Dr. Orji emphasized that a decision regarding the continuation or conclusion of the strike will be reached by Friday, August 12.
Initially, the striking doctors had intended to commence a daily peaceful protest on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, if the government failed to satisfy their demands.
Dr. Orji remarked, “We engaged in a productive meeting at the Villa and with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, yesterday (Tuesday). It would not be prudent to transition from such a high-level discussion to street protests the following day, as it could cast doubts on the legitimacy of our demands.”
He further elucidated, “Our demands are of paramount importance due to the scarcity of doctors in our medical facilities. Those of us who remain are excessively burdened with work. How much longer can we endure this situation? We have been informed of the government’s intended actions for today (Wednesday) and tomorrow (Thursday), and we are optimistic that they will take the necessary steps. If these actions are fulfilled, we anticipate that the National Executive Committee will authorize us to suspend the strike, as we are a reasonable group.”
Dr. Orji outlined the specifics of the conditions, stating, “The issuance of the circular for a one-for-one replacement constitutes the first condition, and the allocation of the 2023 MRTF fund forms the second. Should these matters be addressed, we will make an appeal to our members to halt the strike temporarily, allowing us to continue negotiations concerning outstanding salary arrears, skipped payments, and related matters.”
He emphasized that implementing the one-for-one replacement should not be an arduous task for the government. Dr. Orji explained, “The government possesses a record of individuals who have departed, and it is a straightforward process to promptly replace them. Newly recruited individuals would be remunerated according to the budgetary allocation for the positions vacated. This is not a complex procedure. Although this arrangement was agreed upon in February, no action has been taken thus far. Nonetheless, we hold the expectation that the government will uphold their commitment.”
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