The Kaduna State chapter of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) has reiterated its commitment to dialogue and fair negotiations as it prepares for an indefinite strike, commencing at 12:00 a.m. on Monday, September 1.

In a communiqué released after an emergency virtual congress meeting, the ARD expressed appreciation for earlier engagements and urged the timely fulfilment of key agreements.

Richard Daniel, president of ARD, lauded the members’ patience, noting that they worked beyond the initial deadline to give the government time to implement the 2024 CONMESS and resolve other longstanding welfare demands.

“Our members showed understanding by staying on duty while expecting implementation of agreements signed in good faith.

“We hoped all concerns would be resolved by the end of August,” Mr Daniel stated.

However, he stated that no changes reflecting the agreement were observed in the August 2025 salary, despite the expiration of the government’s two-month implementation timeline agreed upon in June.

As a result, the association resolved to commence the indefinite strike, not as a first option, but a necessary response to repeated delays in addressing doctors’ legitimate demands and welfare concerns.

In a related move, the ARD at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital announced that it would also begin an indefinite strike from midnight on August 31, in alignment with the broader action by the state chapter.

Josiah Yakubu, representing the Barau Dikko chapter, stated that formal reminder letters were sent on June 19, August 1, and August 25, urging compliance with the Memorandum of Understanding signed in June.

“We remain hopeful the government will show goodwill by fulfilling its promises.

“Our goal remains quality healthcare, which depends on fair treatment and proper support for medical professionals,” Mr Yakubu said.

Both associations called on the Kaduna State government to act promptly to avoid disruptions in healthcare delivery and reaffirmed their readiness to return once agreements are fully honoured and welfare concerns are addressed.

(NAN)