CALABAR, NIGERIA — The National Association of Resident Doctors has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to meet its outstanding demands or risk a nationwide strike action, warning that failure to act would lead to a breakdown of industrial harmony and disrupt healthcare delivery across the country.
The ultimatum was contained in a communiqué read by the new President of the association, Dr. Emmanuel Ogar, before journalists at the end of its 46th Annual General Meeting, which rounded off in Calabar at the weekend. NARD stated that the Federal Government has failed to implement several agreements reached with the association bordering on remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, and improved conditions of service despite repeated assurances and engagements.
The association said it was worried that prolonged delays in implementing the agreements had continued to affect the welfare and morale of resident doctors across the country. NARD lamented that the current salary structure no longer reflects prevailing economic realities, while resident doctors are overburdened with excessive workload caused by severe manpower shortages.
“The Federal Government has consistently failed to honour the agreements it signed with us. This is unacceptable. Our members are suffering, and the healthcare system is collapsing. We cannot continue like this,” Ogar stated.
The resident doctors averred that the situation has been worsened by the continuous migration of doctors and other health professionals abroad, leaving those in the country to shoulder additional responsibilities. They noted that the brain drain has depleted the health workforce, making it increasingly difficult for hospitals to provide adequate care to patients.
“The rate at which our colleagues are leaving the country is alarming. Those of us who have chosen to stay are overworked and underpaid. We are bearing the burden of a system that is failing. The government must act now to address these issues,” the communiqué stated.
NARD’s Demands
The doctors demanded the immediate implementation of all pending agreements, prompt payment of salaries and entitlements owed to house officers, and a standardised template for compensation for excess workload. They also called for full enforcement of anti-assault policies to protect health workers, improved hospital infrastructure and equipment, and increased budgetary allocation to the health sector.
The association warned that failure to act within 14 days would lead to a breakdown of industrial harmony and disrupt healthcare delivery nationwide. It said the strike, if embarked upon, would be total and indefinite, and that all resident doctors across the country would participate.
“The 14-day ultimatum is a final warning. If the Federal Government fails to meet our demands within this period, we will have no choice but to embark on a nationwide strike. The consequences will be dire for the health sector and for Nigerians,” Ogar said.
Stakeholders React
The ultimatum has drawn reactions from stakeholders in the health sector, with many expressing concern about the potential impact of a nationwide doctors’ strike on patients. The Nigerian Medical Association urged the Federal Government to engage with NARD urgently to resolve the impasse and avert a strike.
“We appeal to the Federal Government to take the demands of our colleagues seriously. A nationwide strike by resident doctors would be catastrophic for the health sector. We urge both parties to return to the negotiating table and find a lasting solution,” the NMA said in a statement.
Patients and civil society organisations also called for a swift resolution, noting that many Nigerians depend on public hospitals for their healthcare needs. The President of the Nigeria Patients’ Association, Mr. Ayo Ogunleye, said the government must prioritise the welfare of health workers to prevent a collapse of the health system.
“We cannot afford another doctors’ strike. The last one was devastating, and many Nigerians lost their lives because they could not access care. We urge the government to do everything possible to prevent this strike,” Ogunleye said.
Government’s Response
The Federal Ministry of Health has not yet issued an official response to the ultimatum. However, sources within the ministry indicated that the government was aware of NARD’s demands and was working to address them. The government has previously said it is committed to improving the welfare of health workers and to strengthening the health sector.
As the 14-day ultimatum begins, all eyes will be on the Federal Government to see whether it can resolve the impasse and prevent a nationwide strike that could cripple the health sector. For now, resident doctors across the country are waiting and watching, with their bags packed and their resolve firm.
