The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan chapter, has suspended its five-day warning strike embarked on last week.

The NARD president at UCH, Gboyega Ajibola, disclosed this to journalists in Ibadan on Sunday.

Mr Ajibola said the suspension was in compliance with the resolution of the national body of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).

“Following the resolution of the NARD Extraordinary NEC meeting held yesterday into the early hours of today, members of the ARDUCH, in compliance with that resolution, have now resumed their duty posts at 8:00 a.m. today, Sunday.

“We are now fully at our duty posts, ready to offer services to our patients and citizens of Nigeria who need quality healthcare,” Mr Ajibola said.

The association embarked on a five-day warning strike on Friday to press home its demands.

According to him, the suspension followed the commitment of the federal government to address the issues outlined by the association in the communiqué, as well as the commencement of payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Funds(MRTF) to members who were owed.

“The association, therefore, convened a virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting on September 13.

“After due deliberations, considering the plight of Nigerians who are grappling with health issues under the present harsh economy, the NEC resolved to suspend the strike.

“This is to allow the government a two-week window to fully implement the demands contained in our communiqué,” he said.

NARD also called on the Oyo State government to comply with the 15-day ultimatum issued by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Oyo State branch, to address the lingering
issues affecting doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.

“Failure to do so will compel the NOC of NARD to direct all members within the  State to embark on an indefinite solidarity strike,” he said.

They urged other state governments to promptly resolve the welfare challenges facing the members.

“In line with the NEC resolution, members in state tertiary hospitals are empowered to continue their industrial action until their respective governments demonstrate a genuine commitment to addressing their concerns.

“NARD remains committed to working with all levels of government to ensure a healthy Nigeria for all,” he stated.

The association had earlier demanded the payment of the 2025 MRTF owed some members.

They also demanded the payment of salary arrears of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), Review of 2023, and unpaid 2024 equipment allowance, among others. 

(NAN)