Resident doctors threaten to go on strike

The Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) says it may go on strike if the federal government fails to facilitate the reinstatement of its sacked colleagues.

Ugochukwu Eze, publicity and social secretary of NARD, said this on Thursday at a press conference in Kaduna.

Eze said the 21-day ultimatum issued for the reinstatement of their sacked colleagues by the University of Jos Teaching Hospital expires on May 31.

He said the first ultimatum issued on the matter expired on May 2, and was extended by another three weeks to give room for proper dialogue.

“At the end of the meeting held on March 27, a 30-day ultimatum was issued starting from April 2, 2018, which elapsed on May 2,” he said.

“12 days after the expiration of the ultimatum, at the ordinary general meeting held in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) Zaria from 5th-11th May, 2018, the ultimatum was extended by 21 days to allow the government to effect recall of all sacked resident doctors in JUTH.

“It may also interest the general public to know that the members of Joint Health Sector Workers Union (JOHESU) have been on strike for the past 44 days.

“Healthcare in the country has been anchored upon the shoulders of resident doctors, mainly (NARD), being the largest single body of doctors in Nigeria.”

According to Eze, the doctors also want the government to meet up with all outstanding agreements contained in the September 6, 2017 terms of settlement entered with the government.

“The September 2017 strike was suspended to allow government complete implementation of the terms of settlement but there are still unmet agreements,” he said.

“NARD leadership may not be able to guarantee continuous industrial harmony should our legitimate agitations be ignored by government.”

Eze said the association had exhausted all labour engagement requirements to help solve the problem in JUTH through extensive advocacy channels.