Resident doctors commence nationwide strike

The last minute effort by the Federal Government to stop resident doctors from embarking on a nationwide strike has failed.

President of the National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, John Onyebueze announced the commencement of the nationwide indefinite strike action early hours of Monday.

Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige had on Saturday after a meeting with the doctors which was also attended by Minister of Health; Prof. Isaac Adewole hinted that the planned strike had been suspended.

The doctors however refuted the statement, saying though they met with the government, but were yet to take a decision.

Ngige, was quoted by Channels Television as saying on Friday that the doctors suspended the strike after a meeting.

Mr. Ngige said the meeting would continue on November 2.

The strike action is expected to adversely affect healthcare in public secondary and tertiary hostpitals in the country, particularly the teaching hospitals.

Onyebueze stated that the doctors rejected the “promissory offer from Government, and proceed on total and indefinite strike action until all items in her demand list for strike action.”

The resident doctors had earlier threatened to go on strike from September 4, if the federal government does not meet their demands including their immediate enrolment in the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, IPPIS.

NARD felt that neither the federal nor state governments has shown commitment to the resolution of issues at stake nor honoured previous agreements.

Consequent upon this, the association resolved to proceed on a total indefinite industrial action from Monday, September 4, 2017, until all these issues are permanently resolved.