The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared an indefinite, total, and comprehensive strike, citing the Federal Government?s persistent failure to honor agreements previously reached with the association.

In a statement issued by NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, the doctors expressed deep regret over the decision, acknowledging the hardship and disruption it would cause to healthcare services nationwide. However, the association maintained that the industrial action had become inevitable after repeated appeals, dialogues, and ultimata failed to yield concrete results.

According to the statement, the doctors? demands include fair remuneration, payment of arrears, improved working conditions, adequate staffing, reduction of excessive workload, and the provision of essential medical infrastructure. These issues, NARD said, are fundamental to ensuring quality healthcare delivery across Nigeria.

?Our demands are not selfish, neither are they politically motivated. They are genuine and patriotic, centered on the survival of the Nigerian health system and the well-being of every citizen who depends on it,? Suleiman stated.

The association emphasised that the strike is not merely a labour dispute but a struggle to secure the future of healthcare in the country. It warned that a system that neglects the welfare of its doctors cannot guarantee safe and effective care for patients.

?A resident doctor who is overworked, underpaid, and mentally exhausted cannot offer optimal care. If the doctors are broken or forced to seek survival abroad, it is the patients who suffer most,? the statement read.

NARD called on Nigerians, including civil society groups, labour unions, religious and traditional leaders, to stand in solidarity with the doctors and urge the government to meet their demands.

?This is not a fight between resident doctors and government. It is a struggle for a functional, just, and humane healthcare system; one where doctors can attend to patients with a clear mind, a motivated spirit, and access to the tools needed to save lives,? the association noted.

They appealed for urgent government action to resolve the crisis and allow doctors to return to work, stressing that the strike is a painful but necessary step to protect the integrity of Nigeria?s health sector. ?We always stand with the people. Now, we ask the people to stand with us in solidarity and service to humanity.? (The Sun)

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