The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called on Nigerians to support its members as they embark on a nationwide indefinite strike, saying the action is a painful but necessary step to rescue the country’s collapsing healthcare system.
In a statement signed by its President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, and issued on Saturday, the association said the decision followed the Federal Government’s continued failure to honor agreements previously reached with the union, despite several rounds of dialogue, appeals, and ultimatum.
Suleiman explained that the strike was not motivated by selfish interests or politics but was driven by a patriotic desire to safeguard the health of all Nigerians.
He noted that the association’s demands focus on fair remuneration, payment of arrears, improved working conditions, adequate staffing, and provision of essential medical infrastructure, issues he said directly affect the quality of healthcare delivery nationwide.
According to him, resident doctors across the country continue to grapple with excessive workloads, poor pay, and burnout, conditions that compromise patient care.
“A resident doctor who is overworked, underpaid, and mentally exhausted cannot offer optimal care to the patient who needs them most,” he stated.
The association maintained that the strike should not be viewed as a confrontation with the government but as a collective struggle for a “functional, just, and humane healthcare system” that values both doctors and patients.
Suleiman urged the general public, including civil society groups, labour unions, religious and traditional leaders, to stand in solidarity with the association and prevail on the government to fulfill its promises.
“This is not a fight between resident doctors and the government; it is a struggle for a system that allows doctors to attend to patients with a clear mind, a motivated spirit, and access to the tools needed to save lives,” the statement read.
He appealed for public understanding and support, emphasizing that the association’s goal was to ensure a future where every Nigerian can access quality healthcare within the country.
“We always stand with you, and now we ask you to stand with us in solidarity and service to humanity,” Suleiman added.
Strike covers 91 medical centres nationwide
The strike, which started at 12:00 am on Saturday, involves doctors across 91 medical centres, including teaching hospitals, federal medical centres, and specialist institutions.
Speaking earlier in an interview with The Guardian, Suleiman explained that NARD has Chief Residents of Departments and Centre Presidents across the 91 centres in Nigeria to coordinate and communicate nationwide issues.
He also noted that about 11,000 resident doctors have been mobilised nationwide for the industrial action.
The association said the strike aims to address issues such as poor remuneration, unpaid allowances, shortage of staff, and inadequate working conditions in hospitals.
