Emmanuel Ukudolo
Nigeria, April 4, 2016 – The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) today gave the Federal Government a 21-days ultimatum to resolve issues within its rank or be prepared to face nationwide strike that will paralyze the activities in the health sector.
The doctors issued the ultimatum despite threats by the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole to invoke the civil service rule of “no work, no pay”.
NARD gave the ultimatum in communique issued at the end of its Extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja.
The communiqué was signed by its President, Dr. Muhammad Adamu Askira; Secretary-General, Dr. Ibrahim Shettima Kuburi and Publicity Secretary, Dr. Uhuaba Eugene Ahuruezenma.
In the communiqué, the doctors argued that they took the decision due to inability of training institutions to pay members their salaries ranging from 3 to 8 months and payment of fractions of salaries in most cases.
The doctors were angry that despite strike that has paralysed the health sector in Osun State and attendant loss of lives, the Governor of the state, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola remains adamant in terms of responding to demands of the resident doctors.
They also raise issue of sack of some members and inappropriate placement in terms of remuneration of members as part of their grouse.
“Whereas a labourer deserves his wages, we noted that some of our members in some state owned tertiary hospitals have not been paid salaries, ranging from three to eight months. Most notable are LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Osogbo in Osun State, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso in Oyo State, IMSUTH, Orlu, Imo State, Kogi Specialist Hospital, ABSUTH Aba in Abia State and Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital.
“Most worrisome is the government of Osun State that remained unperturbed despite the total collapse of health care delivery in the state and its attendant loss of lives…We urge the government at all levels to release and implement residency training guidelines with appropriate budgetary backing.
“In line with the above realities, NARD declares a 21-day ultimatum with effect from Monday, 4th April, 2016 to press home our demands following which industrial harmony in our various hospitals may not be guaranteed if the existing realities are not resolved”, the doctors warned.
