The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government a fresh 24-hour ultimatum to meet its long-standing demands, following the expiration of its earlier 10-day deadline on September 10.
The decision came after a six-hour virtual meeting of the association’s National Executive Council on Wednesday.
NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, confirmed that while government officials had promised to address their grievances, the association insisted on immediate action.
In a communiqué issued on September 1, and jointly signed by Osundara, General Secretary Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, and Publicity and Social Secretary Dr. Omoha Amobi, NARD demanded:
-
Immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF)
-
Settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35% CONMESS salary review
-
Payment of 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears
-
Prompt disbursement of specialist allowances
-
Restoration of recognition of the West African postgraduate membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN)
-
Implementation of the 2024 CONMESS
-
Resolution of welfare issues in Kaduna State
-
Intervention in the plight of resident doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso
Osundara warned that if the government failed to meet the demands by Thursday, resident doctors across the country would embark on an immediate strike starting Friday.
“More than 2,000 resident doctors are still awaiting payment of the MRTF,” he told our correspondent. “If there is no payment by today, then tomorrow, we will start the strike immediately.”
Read Also;
Resident Doctors Meet Today as Strike Ultimatum Nears Expiry
FCT Resident Doctors Begin Seven-Day Warning Strike
Resident Doctors Issue Fresh 10-Day Ultimatum, Threaten Nationwide Strike
Resident doctors provide the bulk of clinical services in Nigeria’s public hospitals, and any strike by the group often cripples healthcare delivery, leaving patients stranded and facilities overstretched.
