The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) yesterday reportedly declared a five-day warning strike, following worries over the alleged failure of the Federal Government to meet its demand.
It was gathered that the industrial action will commence on Wednesday, May 17, and end on Monday, May 22. The decision to down tool was reportedly taken after the doctors’ extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held virtually yesterday.
President of NARD, Dr Emeka Orji, who confirmed the incident to media, however, promised to make a press conference today, saying a press statement will be made available to journalists also.
The resident doctors have been at loggerheads with the Federal Government over poor remuneration, and better welfare for their members among other concerns.
But reacting to the planned industrial action by the aggrieved resident doctors, the Federal Government described the move as unnecessary.
Briefing journalists in Abuja after a special Federal Executive Council meeting, the Labour Minister, Dr Chris Ngige said the parent body of the association – the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) – is already engaging with relevant government agencies on the issue.