Maroc - VERACITY.COM.NG - A La Une - 14/Sep 14:36

NARD suspends 5-day warning strike

By Chidinma Ewunonu-AlukoThe Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan chapter  has suspended its  five-day warning strike  embarked on last week.The NARD President at  UCH, Dr Gboyega Ajibola, disclosed this  to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in  Ibadan Sunday.Ajibola said that the suspension was in compliance to the resolution of  the national body of  National Association of Resident Doctors ( NARD)“Following the resolution of the NARD Extraordinary NEC meeting held yesterday into early hours of today, members of the ARDUCH, in compliance with that resolution, have now resumed at their duty posts at 8. 00 a.m today (Sunday)“We are now fully at our duty posts ready to offer services to our patients and citizens of Nigeria who need quality healthcare,” Ajibola said.NAN reports that the association embarked on a five-day warning strike on  Friday, Sept. 12, to press home its demands.According to him, the suspension followed the commitment of the Federal Government to address the issues outlined by the associationin the  communiqué, as well as the commencement of payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Funds(MRTF) to members who were owed.“The Association therefore convened a virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting on Sept. 13.“After due deliberations, considering the plight of Nigerians who are grappling with health issues under the present harsh economy, the NEC resolved to suspend the strike.“This is to allow the Government a two-week window to fully implement the demands contained in our communiqué,” he saidNARD also called on the Oyo State Government to comply with the 15-day ultimatum issued by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Oyo State branch, to address  lingering issues affecting doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.“Failure to do so willcompel the NOC of NARD to direct all members within the  State to embark on an indefinite solidarity strike,” he said.They urged other State Governments to promptly resolve the welfare challenges facing the members.“In line with the NEC resolution, members in state tertiary hospitals are empowered to continue their industrial action until their respective governments demonstrate a genuine commitment to addressing their concerns.“NARD remains committed to working with all levels of government to ensure a healthy Nigeria for all,” he  stated.The association had earlier demanded the payment of the 2025 MRTF owed some members.They also demanded for the payment of salary arrears of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), Review of 2023 and unpaid 2024 equipment allowance among others. (NAN)