The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced its intention to initiate daily peaceful protests starting from Wednesday. This move is part of the association’s strategy to ensure that its demands are met.
In a letter dated Saturday and directed to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), the NARD communicated its plan for the protests. The letter, titled ‘Notice of Nationwide Mass Protests and Picketing by NARD’, was signed by the President, Dr. Emeka Orji, and the Secretary-General, Dr. Chikezie Kelechi.
The doctors explained that this decision was reached by the National Executive Council of NARD. They indicated that the protests and picketing would take place at the FMOH, the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, as well as federal and state tertiary health institutions nationwide, starting from August 9th at 10:00 a.m.
The association expressed their disappointment that their concerns had been largely neglected by both their parent ministry and the Federal Government. They felt that despite their sacrifices and dedication, their efforts had been unfairly maligned. The doctors stated that they aimed to highlight the decay, corruption, and long-standing neglect suffered by public health institutions, which had led to repeated industrial actions.
While the association hoped that the government would address their issues sincerely before August 9th, they also indicated that if no substantial action was taken, they would have no choice but to proceed with their planned protests.
NAN’s report indicates that the resident doctors initiated an indefinite strike on July 26th. The primary requests of the association encompass the immediate disbursement of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), prompt issuance of the circular for one-for-one replacement, and payment of outstanding skipping arrears.
Additional demands involve revising the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) to match the full salary value from 2014, addressing the arrears of consequential adjustment for doctors not initially covered by the minimum wage increase, and reversing the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria’s (MDCN) decision to downgrade membership certificates.
Further appeals consist of securing the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), new hazard allowance, skipping payment, and the correction of CONMESS implementation in State Tertiary Health Institutions. The omission of hazard allowance arrears payment is also raised as a concern.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government recently issued a letter outlining a ‘no work, no pay’ policy on Tuesday as a response to the ongoing strike by the doctors. This measure is intended to discourage similar actions by other health workers.
