Members of The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospitals LUTH and other health institutions in Lagos State On Wednesday joined their Counterparts on the indefinite Nationwide Strike declared by its National Body.
In most of the Hospitals visited by ait.live the Compliance by NARD Members was near total with Patients left in the care of Consultants and other Lower Cadres of Medical Doctors.
According to The National President of the Association, Dr. Emeka Orji, the decision which was reached during its July National Executive Council meeting in Lagos became necessary after the expiration of Several Ultimatums.
“Having considered all the numerous ultimatums, appeals, and engagements with Government, NEC unanimously resolved to proceed on a total and indefinite strike commencing 12:00 am, Wednesday, 26th July “.
MUST READ: Just In: Resident Doctors in Nigeria begin nationwide strike
Some of the major issues in contention which have lingered for several years include the
failure of Government to release the circular on ONE for ONE replacement of clinical staff despite the
untold hardship the current spate of brain drain has caused Nigerian doctors and other clinical staff.
The delayed payment of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), despite several engagements by NARD with the Government.
The refusal by the Government to pay the salary arrears of 2014, 2015, and 2016 to members, hazard allowance arrears as well as the areas of the consequential adjustment of minimum wage.
Delay to implement the appropriate Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), domestication of the Medical Residency Training Act (MRTA)/payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund or improvement of the hazard allowance paid to our colleagues and other health workers while
owing a backlog of salary arrears to our members.
And negative developments in the states which have lingered for a long time
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
