The speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has urged the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to suspend the impending strike immediately.

Mr Abbas made the call at a meeting between the leadership of the house and NARD in Abuja on Monday, against the backdrop of a looming strike action that had been issued.

He said, “I would urge you to suspend the impending industrial action while we intervene and seek your understanding of the fact that a new administration just came on board.”

The speaker said the new administration was still settling down as ministers were yet to assume office.

He said NARD’s decision to meet with the house was an affirmation of their faith and confidence in its capacity to intervene and resolve the lingering issues in dispute.

“We are not unmindful of the many sacrifices resident doctors have continued to make in the health sector despite the many challenges you face and the poor conditions within which you work.

“While many of your colleagues have left the shores of our country in pursuit of better working conditions, you have chosen to remain behind in service to the fatherland,” the speaker said.

He assured the house would deploy every legislative instrument available to ensure NARD was fully compensated and rewarded for such acts of patriotism.

Mr Abbas said the lingering issue would be approached with an open mind and guided by the fact that revenues available to the government might not fully meet their demands.

The demands of NARD include payment of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund, an upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and salary arrears dating back to 2015.

He said the issues and more could be resolved without embarking on an industrial action while urging NARD to appeal to members to be patient while it finds an amicable resolution.

(NAN)