The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has embarked on a nationwide strike after the expiration of its ultimatum to the federal government.
NARD president Tope Osundara confirmed the action on Friday, citing unpaid allowances, manpower shortages, and the recent downgrade of membership certificates issued by the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons.
The doctors are demanding immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, and clearance of five months’ outstanding arrears from the consolidated medical salary structure review.
“This is majorly about welfare. We also have issues of shortage of manpower in almost all healthcare centres and facilities across the nation,” Osundara said.
The association warned that the certification downgrade by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria undermines regional standards for specialist training and must be reversed.
Resident doctors, who are considered vital to emergency and specialist healthcare across Nigeria, will remain on strike until their demands are met.
