The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) plans to protest daily at the Federal Ministry of Health, the Office of the Head of Civil Service, and all tertiary health institutions nationwide.
The association aims to highlight the government’s neglect of its demands, which have been largely ignored. The notice was given in a letter to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health.
The letter signed by NARD President Dr Emeka Orji and Secretary-General Dr Chikezie Kelechi outlines the decision of the National Executive Council of NARD to engage in daily peaceful protests and picketings at FMOH, the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, and all federal and state tertiary health institutions nationwide.
The letter aims to highlight the neglected demands of the Nigerian government and parent ministry, which have chosen to demonise Nigerian resident doctors instead of addressing the challenges that led to industrial action. The letter calls for the world to hear the other side of the story, highlighting the decay, corruption, and neglect in the health sector that have led to repeated industrial actions.
NARD believes the government has time to address issues before Aug. 9 or face no other option. The NARD declared a total and indefinite strike on July 25. Residents demanded immediate payment of the 2023 MRTF, the release of a one-for-one replacement circular, and skipping arrears.
They also urged an upward review of CONMESS, payment of arrears, and the reversal of MDCN’s downgrading of membership certificates. Further demands include MRTF payment, a new hazard allowance, corrected CONMESS implementation, and omitted hazard allowance arrears.
