In a significant turn of events, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has decided to temporarily halt its proposed nationwide daily protest following a behind-the-scenes discussion with key figures from the senate.
President of NARD, Emeka Orji, revealed this development in a short message obtained by The Informant247.
Orji disclosed that while the planned protest initially scheduled for Wednesday has been suspended, a reevaluation will be conducted within the next 72 hours.
“Our engagement involved discussions with the Senate President, as well as the majority and minority leaders, and the Whip.
As a result, the protest originally intended for Wednesday has been put on hold.
We will reassess the situation within the coming 72 hours,” Orji stated.
The resident doctors, who had previously announced their intention to stage peaceful daily protests, were poised to initiate their plan on Wednesday unless the government took steps to address their concerns.
The decision to suspend the protest emerged in light of the Federal Government’s directive to the Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of federal tertiary hospitals to enforce the “no work, no pay” policy against the striking doctors.
Having commenced an indefinite industrial strike on July 26, the doctors’ action was a response to the government’s failure to meet their stipulated demands.
Among the issues on the doctors’ agenda are the implementation of a one-for-one replacement policy for healthcare workers, discontinuation of the downgrading of membership certificates issued by the West African Postgraduate Medical and Surgical Colleges, immediate settlement of outstanding salary arrears, the introduction of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, an adjusted hazard allowance, and the localization of the Medical Residency Training Act.
In conclusion, the pause in the planned protest by NARD underscores a potential avenue for dialogue and resolution, as both parties involved continue to seek common ground.
The situation remains dynamic, and a further review is anticipated within the next 72 hours.