The Digest:
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its month-long nationwide strike but issued a fresh four-week ultimatum for the federal government to fully implement all outstanding agreements. According to a communiqué from their National Executive Council, this pause is a fragile respite, exploring the perennial cycle of industrial action and broken promises that cripples the nation's health sector.
Key Points:
- The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its nationwide strike for four weeks.
- The suspension is conditional, with a threat to resume if the government fails to meet all demands within the period.
- Key unresolved issues include salary arrears, unpaid allowances, and severe manpower shortages.
- NARD demanded immediate payment of arrears for doctors in at least six specified teaching hospitals.
- Other demands are the implementation of agreed pension benefits and a policy to limit prolonged work hours.
- The government has made partial progress, including some salary review payments.
- The strike had severely impacted patient care across major tertiary hospitals.
Sources: Premium Times, NARD Communiqué.
