By Fawaz Adebisi
The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced their intention to organize daily peaceful protests across the country.
Commencing on Wednesday, 9th August, the protests will take place at the Federal Ministry of Health, the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, and various federal and state tertiary health institutions.
The move aims to draw attention to the resident doctors’ unmet demands from the federal government.
In a statement jointly issued by NARD’s President, Dr. Orji Emeka, and Secretary-General, Dr. Chikezie Kelechi, the doctors expressed their disappointment with the lack of progress in addressing their concerns.
They criticized the government’s approach, which they felt unfairly portrayed Nigerian resident doctors. Despite their dedication and service, the doctors claimed that their grievances had been overlooked.
Highlighting the urgent need for action, the statement emphasized the deterioration and corruption within the health sector, as well as the consistent neglect suffered by public health institutions.
The resident doctors stated that their decision to protest was a way to ensure their perspective is heard on these critical issues.
“We are pained that rather than make genuine and concerted efforts to resolve the challenges that led to the industrial action despite repeated ultimatums, our parent ministry and the federal government have chosen to demonize Nigerian resident doctors instead, after all, their sacrifices and patriotism.
“We, therefore, resolved that it is time the whole world hears our side of the story – the decay and corruption in the health sector as well as the neglect the public health institutions have suffered all these years that led to repeated industrial actions,” the statement read.
They therefore urged the government to engage constructively before the approaching deadline of August 9th, 2023, or face the consequences of their continued inaction.
