The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its warning strike, two days after members withdrew their services across public hospitals in the country.
The President of the association, Dr. Tope Osundara, confirmed the suspension in a message to Punch on Saturday night, directing members to resume duties on Sunday.
He said the decision followed partial concessions from the Federal Government on some of the demands raised by the doctors.
“Some of our demands have been met. The government has promised to look into other issues. Strike suspended; resumption to work tomorrow (today). We did this as a sign of goodwill and to assist Nigerians who are seeking healthcare in our various facilities,” Osundara said.
Kano Times reports that the strike, which began on Friday, disrupted medical services nationwide, leaving consultants and other categories of health workers to manage increased caseloads, while patients faced long delays.
The association had embarked on the strike to demand the immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review, and other outstanding salary backlogs.
Other demands include the payment of 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, prompt disbursement of specialist allowances, restoration of the recognition of the West African postgraduate membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), and issuance of certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to all deserving candidates.
The association is also seeking the full implementation of the 2024 CONMESS, resolution of welfare issues affecting members in Kaduna State, and intervention in the plight of resident doctors at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
Kano Times reports that Osundara did not specify which of the demands had been met by the Federal Government as of the time of filing this report.