Resident doctors suspend planned strike after Shettima’s intervention

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its plan to commence strike on January 12.

The suspension was announced in a statement issued on Sunday by Shuaibu Ibrahim, secretary-general of NARD.

The association had earlier announced the strike in an update issued after its emergency national executive council (E-NEC) meeting held on January 2.

On January 9, the national industrial court in Abuja granted an interim injunction restraining members of the association from embarking on any form of strike or industrial action.

However, in the statement announcing the suspension, Ibrahim said the decision was reached during the national executive council (E-NEC) meeting held on Sunday, January 11.

The NARD’s secretary-general disclosed that during the meeting, the association reviewed the status of its demands and assessed progress made through engagements with relevant stakeholders.

He said after firm commitments from critical stakeholders based on the intervention of Vice-President Kashim Shettima, the planned strike was suspended.

“Status of our demands: The report of the earlier committee set up by the federal ministry of health and social welfare (FMoH&SW) has been implemented. Additionally, a new reconciliation committee comprising CCMDs, MoH&SW, and NARD has been established to ensure all our members remain in FTH Lokoja and also to broker lasting peace between ARD FTH Lokoja and MDCAN FTH Lokoja, fostering harmony among parties,” the statement reads.

“Verified lists have been forwarded to IPPIS. The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (FMoLE) has written to the Federal Ministry of Finance (FMoF) and with attention to IPPIS. NARD will continue close follow-up to ensure prompt payment.

“Lists have been transmitted by the FMoH&SW to the FMoF and Budget Office. Importantly, the Honourable Minister of State for Finance has acknowledged it and NARD is now engaging to ensure a clear and expedited payment plan.

“The Director of Hospital Services (DHS) at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoH & SW) is to communicate with the Chief Executives of hospitals regarding a clarification issued by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF). This clarification is to emphasise that CONMESS 3 is the recognized entry-level.”