The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a stark warning to the federal government, as a final deadline for addressing a backlog of welfare demands inches closer.
With hours left on its extended ultimatum, the possibility of a nationwide strike now looms large over Nigeria’s already strained public health system.
NARD, which represents thousands of resident doctors working in public hospitals across the country, expressed deep frustration over what it described as “persistent neglect and half-hearted promises” from the government.
The group had earlier extended its initial 10-day ultimatum by 24 hours, citing a lack of tangible progress in negotiations.
“Our patience has been stretched to its limits,” NARD said in a statement on Monday. “We are calling for immediate resolution of the issues at hand. Failure to act decisively will result in industrial action.”
Key Demands Still Unresolved
Among the major grievances listed by NARD are:
* Non-payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) for many eligible doctors.
* Unsettled salary arrears resulting from the 25% to 35% review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
* Non-payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance, which covers uniforms and other essentials.
* Delayed specialist allowances for qualified personnel already functioning in specialist roles.
* Non-recognition of West African postgraduate medical certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
* Failure by the National Postgraduate Medical College (NPMCN) to issue certificates to qualified candidates.
Additionally, the doctors have raised alarms over worsening working conditions in various state-owned hospitals, pointing to specific issues in Kaduna and Oyo States, where previously signed agreements remain unimplemented.
Government Response: Silence or Strategy?
As the clock ticks down, official response from the Federal Ministry of Health and other relevant bodies remains subdued.
While some payments have reportedly been processed following previous strikes, NARD maintains that the efforts have been piecemeal and lack the urgency the situation demands.
Insiders suggest that talks are ongoing behind closed doors, but no formal resolution has been announced.
Public Health at Risk
A full-scale strike by resident doctors would have immediate consequences across Nigeria’s public hospitals, especially in emergency and teaching hospitals where resident doctors make up a significant portion of the clinical workforce.
Past strikes have resulted in the shutdown of key services, including outpatient clinics and surgical theatres.
The timing is particularly critical, as hospitals nationwide continue to grapple with limited resources, rising patient volumes, and staff shortages aggravated by ongoing brain drain in the health sector.
What Happens Next?
With the extended ultimatum set to expire imminently, the country now waits for either a breakthrough or a breakdown in talks.
Also Read: Super Eagles Cancel US Friendlies to Focus on Crucial World Cup Play-Offs in Morocco
NARD has made it clear that any further delays will be interpreted as unwillingness to engage.
“We are not asking for favors; we are asking for what has been promised and budgeted,” said a senior NARD official who spoke on condition of anonymity. “The government must demonstrate that it values healthcare workers and the lives of Nigerians.”
Critical Hours Ahead
The next 24 to 48 hours will be decisive. Should the government fail to meet the association’s demands, a nationwide strike appears all but certain — a move that could paralyze the public healthcare system and deepen the country’s medical crisis.
Healthcare stakeholders, patient rights groups, and civil society organizations are now urging the government to act swiftly to avert a shutdown.
