The Nigerian resident doctors under the aegis of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) have suspended the indefinite strike action it started last week.
The medical body acknowledges the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) in some hospitals while it says sustained supplies are still in need.
The doctors also noted that the Medical Residency Training has been included in the revised budget of 2020 through the intervention of Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila and only waiting to be assented to by the President for implementation.
The doctors added that four weeks ultimatum has been given to Federal Government to make good of its promises.
This was made known through the NARD President, Dr. Aliyu Sokomba, in Abuja after its extraordinary virtual National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.
According to him, “The NEC acknowledges the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to some hospitals. However, these PPEs are consumables and non-reusable, therefore the need for sustained supply.
“The Medical residency training funding has been included in the revised 2020 budget through the intervention of the Hon. Speaker, House of Representative and will be implemented as soon as the budget is assented to by the President. At the same time, we await the fulfillment of the promise made by the Nigeria Governors Forum to ensure the same is done in all the states.
“On the Salary shortfall for 2014-2016, The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) has promised to intervene. The government has shown a commitment to procure group life insurance for health workers.
“The disengaged resident doctors at Jos University Teaching Hospital have been reinstated, the Chief Medical Director has been directed to pay their withheld salaries and comply with the provisions of the Medical Residency Training Act (MRTA).”
He also stated, “On State Tertiary Health Institutions (STHIs), the Chairman Nigeria Governors Forum His Excellency Dr. Kayode Fayemi and the DG NGF Mr. Asishana Okauru, appealed to be given time to discuss with other state Governors of KOGI, GOMBE, LAGOS, OYO, OSUN, OGUN, ONDO, LAGOS, KADUNA, NASSARAWA, ENUGU, ANAMBRA, ABIA and IMO, for immediate pay parity as with the corrected CONMESS of 2019 and that salary shortfall due to our members will be paid shortly.
“NARD also met His Excellency Engr Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo state who also gave his words to favourably look into all challenges of our members in LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Ogbomoso with a view to abiding by the international standard
“The Executive Governors of Delta and Benue States from reports by our members have been supportive although more needs to be done
“NEC observed that COVID-19 inducement allowance has only been paid to eleven (11) Federal health institutions and most state governments are yet to review the hazard allowance of health workers.”
He added that the suspension of the strike action will take effect from 8am on Monday.
