The Niger chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) says it is 100 per cent in support of the nationwide indefinite National Association of Resident Doctors (NARDs) strike. 

Yusuf Mohammed, chairman of the Niger chapter of NMA, stated this in an interview in Minna on Friday.

“We are 100 per cent in support of the strike because the federal government refused to abide by the agreement reached with NARDs. 

“They issued several warnings, but the government refused to listen, prompting the strike. The Niger state chapter of the NMA is solidly behind the strike by NARDs,“ he said. 

On Tuesday night, the national body of NARDs embarked on a nationwide indefinite strike to demand improved welfare for members and the health sector.

Mr Mohammed said the doctors’ demands included immediate payment of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) and payment of the arrears of consequential adjustment of minimum to the omitted doctors. 

Others are the immediate release of the circular on one-for-one replacement of the health workers, payment of skipping arrears, and upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), among others.

He appealed to the federal government to fulfil the demands of the doctors to boost their morale to put in their best to improve the health sector. 

The chairman said the association in the state had since joined their colleagues across the country in the strike.

(NAN)