The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called for nationwide protests and picketing of federal health institutions daily. The group, which is currently on a nationwide indefinite strike, announced on Saturday that the protest will begin on Wednesday, August 9th at 10:00 am.
The notice was sent to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health following its National Executive Council (E-NEC) virtual meeting on Saturday. It was signed by the association’s President, Dr Orji, Emeka Innocent, and Secretary General, Dr Chikezie, Kelechi.
The notice read in part, “We wish to bring to your notice, the decision of the National Executive Council of NARD to embark on daily peaceful protests and picketing of the Federal Ministry of Health, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, as well as all federal and state tertiary health institutions nationwide, with effect from Wednesday, 9th August 2023.”
According to NARD, the move was required to urge their demands, which had been largely ignored by the parent ministry and the federal government.
“We are pained that, rather than making genuine and concerted efforts to resolve the challenges that led to the industrial action despite repeated ultimatums, our parent ministry and the federal government have instead chosen to demonize Nigerian resident doctors, despite their sacrifices and patriotism,” it said.
As a result, the organization declared that it is past time for the rest of the world to hear its side of the story about the deterioration and corruption in the health sector, as well as the neglect of public health institutions over the years, which has resulted in repeated strikes.
“We believe that the government still has time to genuinely address the issues at stake before Wednesday, 9th August 2023, or leave us with no other option. Accept the assurances of our esteemed regards as always,” it said in the notice.
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