The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has officially declared their intention to hold daily nationwide protests and conduct picketing of federal health institutions.
In a notice released on Saturday, the NARD, currently engaged in an ongoing nationwide indefinite strike, disclosed that the protests are scheduled to commence on Wednesday, August 9th at 10:00 am.
This notice follows a virtual meeting of the National Executive Council (E-NEC) on Saturday, during which the decision was made. The notice was addressed to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and was jointly signed by Dr. Orji Emeka Innocent, the President of the association, and Dr. Chikezie Kelechi, the Secretary General.
The notice states, “We wish to inform you of the resolution of the National Executive Council of NARD to initiate daily peaceful protests and picketing at the Federal Ministry of Health, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, as well as all federal and state tertiary health institutions nationwide, starting from Wednesday, August 9th, 2023.”
NARD emphasized that this move has become necessary to underscore their demands, which they feel have been largely overlooked by the parent ministry and the federal government.
The association expressed its concern, stating, “We are deeply disheartened that, despite our repeated ultimatums and the sacrifices and dedication of Nigerian resident doctors, our parent ministry and the federal government have chosen to vilify us. This action comes after all our contributions and commitment.”
NARD further declared their resolution to shed light on the decay and corruption within the health sector and the persistent neglect suffered by public health institutions over the years, which have led to repeated instances of industrial action.
The notice underscores, “We firmly believe that the government still has a window of opportunity to genuinely address these critical issues before August 9th, 2023, to avert further actions. Please be assured of our continued respect.”
In response to the ongoing strike, the federal government recently imposed a ‘No work, No pay policy’ targeting the striking resident doctors.
The Federal Ministry of Health, in a letter signed by Dr. Andrew Noah, the Director of Hospital Services, directed Chief Medical Directors and medical directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals to maintain an attendance register of all residents willing to work and submit the names to the Ministry on a monthly basis.
