The National Association of Resident Doctors has called off the strike they embarked upon earlier in June, 2020.
The association says it took the decision to enable the government fulfil all outstanding demands. This is also sequel to an appeal by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha and the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.
The news was made available today, 21st June by the chairman of NARD, Dr Aliyu Sokomba after an executive council meeting attended by over 300 resident doctors.
According to the communique issued by Sokomba, “NEC resolved to suspend the ongoing indefinite strike action with effect from Monday, 22nd June by 8:00am.
“The National Officers shall continue negotiations with stakeholders and progress made shall be reviewed in four weeks during the next National Executive Council meeting in July, 2020.
The statement further read that, “The NEC acknowledges the provision of Personal Protective Equipment to some hospitals. However, these PPEs are consumables and non-reusable, therefore, the need for sustained supply.
“Medical residency training funding has been included in the revised 2020 budget through the interventions of the Hon Speaker of the House of Representatives. It will be implemented as soon as the budget is assented to by the president.
“At the same time, we await the fulfilment of the promise made by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to ensure same is done in all the states.
He added that, “On the salary shortfall for 2014 – 2016, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation has promised to intervene.
Sokomba added that the Resident Doctors called off the strike since “Governent has shown commitment to procure group life insurance for Health workers.
“The disengaged resident doctors at the Jos University Teaching Hospital have been reinstated. The Chief Medical Director has been directed to pay their salaries and comply with the provisions of the Medical Residency Training Act (MRT).”
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