The Nigerian Association of Local Medical Practitioners (NARD) has expressed its disappointment over the failure of the Federal Government to respond to its demands within the two-week ultimatum set by the union.
NARD threatened to strike if the government did not meet their demands. Among the demands made by the association were recruitment of additional clinical staff in hospitals, immediate improvement of health infrastructure, allocation of at least 15% of the budget to the health sector, rapid disbursement of the 2023-2023 Medical Housing Fund (MRTF). and a 200% increase in the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS). As previously reported, NARD announced a warning strike from 17-22. may In a press conference on Tuesday, NARD president Innocent Orji stated that the government did not reach out during the ultimatum and did not take meaningful steps to address these concerns. The NARD National Executive Council (NEC) considers this lack of government response an embarrassment for the country. According to him, “NEC frowned at this development and wondered how the government could claim to have the interests of Nigerian citizens at heart, yet ignore the much publicized ultimatum”. He therefore called on the Federal Government to address the issues raised before the next administration takes office. The NARD president said that industrial harmony cannot be ensured after the warning strike if the issues remain unresolved. He said: “We had to calm the mood. Many called for an indefinite strike, but we thought about the future government. “On paper, we are important service providers, but the government does not see us that way. "Most of the issues we raise can be resolved in a few days. If they process and start negotiations in a few days, there is no reason for our members to strike. We will meet again next week to review the situation."