The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors(NARD) has begun a five-day warning strike this morning, withdrawing significant share of their clinical services in federal and state hospitals, including Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta.
This came after the expiration of its fresh ultimatum to the Federal Government.
The development may further put in – patients and out – patients in challenging situations as any withdrawal of services by the association often paralyses healthcare delivery, leaving patients stranded and hospitals stretched to a breaking point.
Efforts to contact the Hospital’s head of Information and Public Relations, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Dr Segun Orisajo, via the phone for update about the strike have not been successful due to seemingly network glitches.
The Daily Crucible reports that the NARD elected to begin the warning strike to register its displeasure over unpaid allowances, salary arrears, and unresolved welfare issues.
Other grievances of the association are the non-disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, payment of five months’ arrears from the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, and outstanding specialist and hazard allowances.
The association announced the industrial action in a message titled “Declaration of strike action” and signed by NARD Secretary-General, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku to confirm the commencement of the strike this morning.
“Good morning, NEC Members, thank you all for your continued cooperation and understanding. As clearly stated in our earlier communique, the strike is scheduled to commence at 8:00 am today (Friday).
“All Centre leadership is expected to guide their members accordingly. Further updates will be communicated to NEC members in due course,” he said.
