Doctors under the aegis of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) have unanimously agreed to embark on an indefinite strike from Monday, August 2, 2021. This is coming at a very critical time when the country is currently experiencing a rise in COVID-19 infections; the signal of a third wave of the pandemic
The association however reached the decision after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which was attended by over 50 of its members across the country. They noted that the government has failed to honour and implement the memorandum of understanding (MoU) it signed with the doctors over 100 days ago. It particularly demanded the immediate withdrawal of the circular removing House Officers from the scheme of service, which was not implemented.
The President of the NARD, Dr. Uyilawa Okhuaihesuyi, who made these known in a statement, also noted that despite efforts by the Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, in ensuring that the Medical Residency Training Funds is captured in the supplementary budget, the Federal Government has failed to disburse the funds to members.
“The NEC noted the suspension of the total indefinite strike action one hundred and thirteen (113) days ago due to government promises as entailed in the Memorandum of Actions (MOA) signed at the instance of the Minister of Labour, Dr. Chris Ngige
