The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced their decision to initiate daily nationwide protests and picketing of federal health institutions.
Daily News 24 reports that the protest, scheduled for Wednesday, August 9th, at 10:00 a.m., comes as a response to the ongoing nationwide indefinite strike carried out by the association.
In a notice released after the National Executive Council (E-NEC) virtual meeting on Saturday, NARD addressed the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health. The notice, signed by the Association’s President, Dr. Orji Emeka Innocent, and Secretary General, Dr. Chikezie Kelechi, highlights their intent to engage in these demonstrations until their demands are addressed.
These demonstrations are aimed at drawing attention to the plight of Resident Doctors across the country. By actively participating in these protests and picketing federal health institutions, Resident Doctors hope to amplify their concerns and seek solutions to the numerous challenges they face.
Resident Doctors play a crucial role in the healthcare system, providing essential medical services to patients nationwide. However, their grievances revolve around inadequate provisions for their welfare, poor working conditions, unpaid salaries, and the lack of necessary medical equipment and facilities. These issues have intensified over time, making it imperative for Resident Doctors to protest in order to bring about the required changes.
By advocating for their rights through nationwide demonstrations, Resident Doctors noted that they aim to raise awareness about the urgent need for government intervention in the healthcare sector.
Their objective is to ensure that healthcare institutions prioritize the well-being of doctors, enabling them to provide quality medical services to the Nigerian population.
The notice read in part, “We wish to bring to your attention the decision of the National Executive Council of NARD to embark on a 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, August 9, 2023.”
NARD said the move became necessary to press home their demands, which have been largely neglected by the parent ministry and the federal government.
