The strike action embarked upon by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has been described as unnesesary, and action that frustrates consultation and negotiation.
The association declared indefinite strike on Wednesday to press home it’s demands bordering on welfare and attitude of government to agreement signed with it and others.
But reacting to the development while fielding questions from newsmen at a Trade Union workshop in Abuja yesterday, the permanent secretary of the ministry of Labour and Empowerment, Daju Kachollom said the strike was uncalled for, claiming that consultations on the issues were at the top level.
She said government has moved on a high level on the matter, saying that the present action of the Doctors would set back the already advanced negotiation.
The permanent secretary however said government would look into the issues with a view to bringing lasting solutions.
The association, rising from its National Executive Meeting (NEC) meeting, demanded the immediate release of the circular on ONE for ONE replacement of exited clinical staff in the various hospitals, immediate payment of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF). This should be done without further delay, the commencement of payment of all salary arrears
owed to our members including the 2014, 2015, and 2016 salary arrears, hazard allowance arrears as well as arrears of the consequential
adjustment of the minimum wage.
Others were immediate implementation of full CONMESS, Domestication of MRTA/payment of MRTF, and review of the hazard allowance by all state governments, immediate reversal of the downgrading of the Membership certificate by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
It also demanded that CONMESS should be reviewed in line with full salary restoration and based on our previous communications with the government.
Considering all the numerous ultimatums, appeals, and engagements
with Government, the association unanimously resolved to proceed on a total and indefinite strike commencing from 12:00 am on Wednesday, 26th July 2023.
