Strike looms as resident doctors issue FG 14-day ultimatum

May 30, 2020 6:57 pm

The Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) says it will embark on an indefinite strike if the federal government refuses to comply with its demands.

The association made the threat in a communique issued at the end of its 2020 ordinary general meeting in Bauchi state, on Saturday.

Sokomba Aliyu, NARD national president who read the communique, decried the poor treatment and harassment of medical doctors in the cause of performing their duties.

He said some members of the association were harassed in Lagos, Kaduna, Plateau and the federal capital territory (FCT).

NARD condemned the sack of 26 members of the association at Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau state. It asked for the immediate recall of the workers and the payment of their salaries.

The association issued a 14-day ultimatum to the federal government to implement its demands.

“NARD demands immediate recall of the sacked resident doctors at Jos University Teaching Hospital and payment of their salaries,” the communique read.

“NARD demands immediate implementation of the revised hazard allowance, payment of COVID-19 inducement allowance. NARD condemns all illegal deductions in salaries of our members by some state governments and demands an immediate refund.

“NARD calls on security agencies to stop the harassment and assault of doctors while carrying out their legitimate activities.

“The association hereby issues a 14-day ultimatum to the government to meet her demands failure of which the association cannot guarantee industrial harmony.”