The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has started a 7-day warning Strike across all its centres nationwide.
The resident doctors strike is to call for the release of its abducted member, Dr Ganiyat Popoola, who has been in kidnappers den for over 8 months.
Dr. Dele Abdullahi, NARD President made the declaration following an emergency meeting of the association’s National Executive Council.
He stated, “The strike is total, and there will be no concessions or emergency care during this period.”
Dr. Popoola was kidnapped on December 27, 2023, along with her husband and nephew. While her husband was released in March 2024, Dr. Popoola and her nephew have remained in captivity for eight months, prompting growing concern and frustration within the medical community.
The abduction has sparked widespread protests, including a demonstration by resident doctors at the Federal Medical Centre in Ebute-Metta, Lagos, on August 15, 2024.
NARD members have been vocal in demanding the safe return of Dr. Popoola, citing the dangers faced by healthcare professionals in the country.
Meanwhile, as the strike begins, the focus will be on whether the government can take immediate action to secure the release of Dr. Popoola and address the security concerns that have led to this drastic measure by NARD.