The Nigerian healthcare sector has been plunged into fresh turmoil as the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Saturday commenced an indefinite strike, shutting down major public hospitals across the country.
The development, announced by NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, follows the expiration of a 30-day ultimatum earlier issued to the Federal Government to address outstanding welfare and infrastructural demands.
In a strongly worded statement made available to the press, Dr. Suleiman said the strike became inevitable after “repeated failures” by the Federal Government to honour its own agreements and implement resolutions reached during several rounds of negotiations.
“This decision did not come lightly, nor was it ever our desire,” he said. “We are fully aware of the pains and inconveniences that accompany any disruption in healthcare services, and we deeply regret the situation.”
Dr. Suleiman stressed that the strike was not politically motivated but borne out of genuine concern for the survival of the nation’s deteriorating health system.
“Our demands are not selfish. They are centred on ensuring that doctors can deliver safe, effective, and compassionate care in an environment that supports their mental and physical well-being. An overworked, underpaid, and mentally exhausted doctor cannot offer optimal care,” he added.
Among NARD’s key demands are fair remuneration, payment of salary arrears, improved working conditions, adequate staffing, and the provision of modern medical equipment. The association also decried the brain drain crisis that has seen many Nigerian doctors seeking better opportunities abroad due to poor welfare and unfavourable work conditions at home.
“A nation’s health system can only be as strong as the hands that sustain it. If doctors are broken or forced to flee, patients will bear the brunt,” Suleiman lamented.
He appealed to Nigerians, including labour unions, civil society organisations, and religious and traditional leaders, to rally behind the doctors in urging the Federal Government to act decisively.
“This is not a fight against the government, but a call to rescue our healthcare system,” he said. “We ask Nigerians to stand with us in solidarity and service to humanity.”
Meanwhile, the Abuja branch of NARD confirmed that resident doctors under the Federal Capital Territory Administration have also joined the industrial action, citing unresolved issues peculiar to their jurisdiction.
The strike, which officially commenced today, has left many patients stranded across teaching hospitals, federal medical centres, and specialist hospitals nationwide.
