The President of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Mohammed Askira, on Monday, disclosed that the association will embark on a nationwide strike from midnight.
Askira, who said this in a statement signed by him in Abuja, noted that the Association had done all it could to ensure that Nigerians do not suffer from the fallout of the strike.
He, however, said that the strike was inevitable as the government has failed to respond to demands by its members.
“NARD had to painstakingly wait till the one week period of Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) in Jos before a final action was streamlined.”
“This strike did not only become necessary but inevitable, going by the gross levity shown by the FMoH in handling our legitimate demands.”
“As a body with human face, not ignorant of the negative effects of industrial actions, NARD went ahead and gave two weeks window to enable government to intervene.”
“Luckily, the Hon. Speaker of the National Assembly swiftly intervened and appealed for a week’s grace before the nationwide action which was graciously granted.”
“However, the June 14 meeting could not hold because the leadership of the FMoH was not able to attend. Consequently therefore, we are now forced to embark on this avoidable indefinite nationwide strike.”
“Initially, we gave government 21 days ultimatum from April 4th and the minister of health promised to intervene and resolve the matter before the end of the ultimatum.”
“Few days later, the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) and NARD visited President Muhammadu Buhari, who then assured us that this government is ready to honour all signed agreements reached with previous administration.”
“Our independent inquiry revealed that no significant progress was made; even the items that could be handled at the level of the FMoH were not really done.”
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