The National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, has suspended its nationwide industrial action.
NARD National President, Aliyu Sokomba who briefed newsmen on Sunday in Abuja said that negotiations will continue on other pending issues yet to be unresolved.
It has been a dreadful week for Nigerians in different parts of the country with healthcare in the country’s public institutions almost grounded since the the Resident Doctors embarked on the nationwide strike last Monday. Patients including pregnant women, the elderly and those in emergency situations have been among those worst affected.
But there is now hope on the horizon as the striking doctors are set to resume work after certain actions were taken to placate them. On Friday, the Federal Government announced it was releasing the sum of N4.5 billion to 31 Federal Teaching and Medical Centres across the country. The money is to cover hazard and inducement allowances for the months of April and May.
This was followed by a meeting on Saturday with the Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF to address other knotty areas of the industrial dispute
On Sunday morning, NARD announced a suspension of the strike by 4 weeks. The Association suggests that the suspension is conditional as negotiations on pending issues will continue.
Also Read: Rivers State resident doctors suspend strike
Normal activities are expected to resume at all public hospitals in the country from Monday the 22nd of June.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
