NARD suspends nationwide strike after signing MoU with the government; hospitals resume full services as NARD demands are set for implementation.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) strike has officially been suspended, marking a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
NARD reached a landmark agreement with the Federal Government, ending nearly a month of service disruptions in federal and teaching hospitals.
The suspension comes after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) addressing long-standing demands from NARD members.
According to Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, Secretary General of NARD, the MoU outlines seven key resolutions, including the reinstatement of dismissed resident doctors, the release of the long-awaited Professional Allowance Table, payment of promotion and salary arrears, and implementation of specialist allowances.
“With these agreements in place, NARD has stepped down the strike,” he confirmed, emphasizing that the remaining items will be completed within four weeks.
The NARD strike had placed enormous pressure on hospitals nationwide. Over 11,000 resident doctors across 91 teaching hospitals withdrew their services, causing delays in surgeries, outpatient care, and routine medical services.
Patients, families, and healthcare advocates have welcomed the resolution, noting that the end of the strike ensures continuity of care and stability in public health institutions.
Two of the most critical demands have already been fulfilled. The Professional Allowance Table has been released, and the Head of Service has adopted CONMESS 3 as the entry level for doctors.
These achievements highlight the effectiveness of negotiations and the commitment of NARD to protect the welfare of resident doctors while safeguarding public health.
The MoU also includes timelines for settling remaining arrears, upgrading doctors who passed Part I examinations, and issuing Membership Certificates.
NARD leadership has assured that it will monitor the implementation closely and take action if the government fails to deliver on its commitments.
Dr. Ibrahim stated, “NARD will not hesitate to resume industrial action if these agreements are not fully implemented.”
Healthcare analysts have praised the resolution, noting that it demonstrates the importance of constructive dialogue between professional associations like NARD and government authorities.
The suspension of the strike allows hospitals to restore full services, while NARD continues to advocate for systemic healthcare reform and better working conditions for resident doctors.
The successful resolution of the NARD strike underscores the vital role of resident doctors in Nigeria’s healthcare system and provides a model for resolving future labor disputes.
With the MoU implementation underway, NARD members are back at work, ensuring that hospitals operate efficiently and patients receive uninterrupted care.
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