The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its indefinite strike, which began on November 1, after 29 days. The decision was announced by NARD National President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, on Saturday, following an extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting. According to Dr. Suleiman, the suspension is a result of a series of conciliatory meetings with the Federal Government, culminating in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that outlines the status of the association’s 19-point demands.
The MoU addresses outstanding issues, including the payment of promotion arrears, which is expected to be completed within four weeks. Salary arrears are also expected to be cleared within the same timeframe. The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) has issued a directive on the specialist allowance, and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission is expected to take necessary steps towards its implementation.
The committee report on the “Lokoja Five” – resident doctors disengaged from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja – recommends their reabsorption, which is expected to be fully implemented within two weeks. The MoU also states that NARD and the Federal Government are finalizing processes to address failed or omitted payments relating to the 25/35 per cent review and accoutrement allowance.
Other issues addressed in the MoU include the skipping and entry level placement, which has been resolved following a directive from the OHCSF. All outstanding matters relating to house officers have also been settled. An interim directive has been issued to Chief Medical Directors and Managing Directors to stop “obnoxious clauses” in locum engagements, and an advisory has been sent to health facility heads to limit excessive call duties and ensure adequate breaks for doctors.
The NEC has resolved to suspend the strike for four weeks to allow for the implementation of the agreed-upon measures. The next phase will involve sustained engagement with Nigerians and the Federal Government during the four-week window. If the agreed-upon measures are not fully implemented, the strike may resume. The suspension of the strike is a significant development, as it allows for the continuation of medical services and the addressing of the grievances of resident doctors. The four-week window will be crucial in determining the next steps, and the Federal Government’s response will be closely watched.
