Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has threatened to resume its more than two months old strike which the association suspended on Monday, if the Federal Government refuses to address its demands
The association’s President, Dr Dare Ishaya, announcing the suspension of the strike at a news conference in Abuja which takes effect this Wednesday, however expressed concern over the plights of resident doctors in Imo, Ekiti and Ondo States who are being owed salary arrears of 21, six, five and three months respectively.
Ishaya explained that the decision to suspend the strike was taken at a meeting of the association’s National Executive Council on Sunday to review the efforts of the Federal Government in implementing NARD’s demands.
The Federal Government according to him, had also shown readiness to withdraw the suit against the resident doctors from the National Industrial Court.
He added that the government has started the payment of the medical residency training fund among others.
The NARD President however clarified that the action would only be suspended for six weeks after which the NEC will reconvene to review progress, in terms of implementation of agreements by both the Federal and State Governments.
His words, “The NEC observed with great concern the conditions of our members in various state government employments, especially Abia, Imo, Ekiti and Ondo state governments who are currently owed 21 months, six months, five months and three months of salary arrears respectively.
“The NEC noted the non-resolution of the following perennial issues: non-payment of the salary shortfalls of 2014 to 2016 to her members despite several engagement with the Federal Government; national minimum wage consequential adjustment; delay in payment of death in service insurance benefit to the next of kin of our fallen heroes despite their sacrifices to the country; and non-payment of COVID-19 inducement allowance to some of our members in federal and most state tertiary health institutions",he stated.
“The NEC noted the slow pace of upward review of hazard allowance.”
He added, “After critical appraisal of the performances of both federal and state governments on all the issues that led to the ongoing strike as stated, NEC resolved by the votes of a simple majority, to suspend the total and indefinite strike action embarked upon on August 2, 2021.
“Therefore, our members will resume full work on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 by 8am.
“The NEC urged the Federal Government to reciprocate the good faith and
The 65-day strike observed by all the 79 chapters of the association, paralysed medical services at both state and federal tertiary health institutions across Nigeria.
No comments:
Post a Comment