By Desire Emmanuel
Respite seems to be on the way for patients at various federal government-owned tertiary hospitals and other health facilities as resident doctors have announced the suspension of their planned strike.
The resident doctors, under the aegis of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), announced the suspension of the planned indefinite nationwide strike following fresh commitments by the Federal Government to address long-standing welfare concerns.
These concerns included the restoration of the Professional Allowance Table (PAT) and payment of outstanding arrears.
In a communiqué issued after an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held virtually on Saturday, April 25, the doctors said the decision followed high-level interventions and renewed assurances from key government officials on critical issues affecting resident doctors.
NARD said it reviewed engagements involving the Vice President, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, the Minister of Labour and Employment, the Coordinating Minister of Finance, as well as the Budget Office, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, IPPIS, the Nigerian Medical Association, and the Department of State Services.
The association noted that the earlier suspension of the reviewed Professional Allowance Table had been reversed, with implementation expected to reflect in April salaries and continue subsequently. It also acknowledged the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to pay outstanding promotion and salary arrears owed to doctors in affected institutions.
The NEC further observed that initial approval had been secured for the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, alongside assurances that the disbursement process would be finalised.
It also said that the Budget Office had indicated readiness to commence payment of 19 months’ arrears of the professional allowance.
However, the doctors expressed concern over the persistent delay in the payment of house officers’ salaries, describing it as an issue requiring urgent resolution.
Based on these developments, the association demanded sustained implementation of the reviewed allowance structure, prompt payment of all outstanding arrears, expedited disbursement of the residency training fund, and immediate action on the backlog of professional allowance payments.
It also called for an urgent stakeholders’ meeting to address delays in house officers’ salaries.
“In light of the above developments, the NEC resolves to suspend the proposed total, indefinite, and comprehensive strike action,” the communiqué stated, adding that progress on the agreements would be reviewed at its next Ordinary General Meeting scheduled for next month in Kano State.
It will be recalled that NARD had earlier this month threatened industrial action over the Federal Government’s reversal of the reviewed allowance structure and other welfare issues, raising concerns about the potential impact on healthcare delivery nationwide.
