The striking National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has elected a new set of executives, who subsequently issued a fresh three-day ultimatum to pay its members being owed Medical Residency Training Fund and salary arrears.
NARD issued the ultimatum at a media briefing after the swearing-in of new NARD executives in Bauchi State on Saturday.
According to Dare Ishaya, the new NARD President, the ongoing strike — which began on August 2 — will continue until the “minimum demands” of the association are met.
He said: “Annual general meeting unanimously resolved by votes to continue the total and indefinite strike action until our minimum demands are met.
“The annual general meeting, in particular, demanded that the federal government should ensure the following urgently for the purpose of restoring normalcy to the health sector: payment of medical residency training within 72 hours, since the money meant for it is available and verification of the list for payment has been completed; payment of the arrears of salaries of our members on GIFMIS platform within 72 hours, while the migration process continues.”
Ishaya also demanded that the government withdraw the lawsuit filed against doctors before the National Industrial Court in the interest of peace.
The NIC had on September 17, ordered the doctors to suspend the indefinite strike and return to the dialogue table with the Federal Government in the interest of Nigerians.
NARD, however, rejected the ruling of the court and said its members would continue with the strike.
