NARD backs action, warns against victimisation

The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has embarked on an indefinite strike over unresolved welfare and working condition issues affecting its members.

The strike, declared by the association, took effect from 8:00 a.m. on Monday after resolutions at its emergency general meeting on June 20.

In a communiqué jointly signed by its President and General Secretary, Dr Jesunbo Martins and Dr Toyyeb Oladipo, respectively, the association stated that the action followed the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum earlier given to the management and the management’s failure to satisfactorily address the demands relating to members’ welfare.

The ARD, however, rejected management’s response dated June 17, alleging that it misrepresented the facts, the agreements reached, and the current status of discussions between the parties regarding outstanding issues.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), yesterday, threw its weight behind the indefinite strike, warning hospital authorities against any attempt to intimidate or punish affected doctors.

The NARD OAUTHC chapter, in a statement jointly signed by its President, Dr Mohammad Usman Suleiman, Secretary General, Dr Shualbulbrahim and Publicity and Social Secretary, Abdulmalid Yahya Ibrahir, and posted on its X handle, (@nard_Nigeria), stated that the grievances raised by the doctors were justifiable, welfare-driven, and consistent with fairness, equity, and conducive postgraduate medical training.