Strike May Be Called Off On Saturday – NARD

The National Association of Resident Doctors has said it may call off its strike on Saturday after meeting with federal government representatives in Abuja, on Friday.

The meeting, which  was held to address the demands of the striking doctors lasted for over six hours,

The NARD’s National President, Dr. Uyilawa Okhuaihesuyi, said the association is satisfied with the outcome of the meeting.

He however said the association cannot call off the strike until consultations are made with its executive council.

He added that the strike, hopefully, will be called off on Saturday

Addressing the press after the meeting, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, said a  committee has been set up to look into some of the doctors’ demands.

The committee includes NARD’s National President, Secretary-General of the Nigerian Medical Association, and one representative each from the Ministries of Labour and Health.

The committee is expected to look at the non-payment of House Officers’ salaries within 72 hours and produce a valid list to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), through the Federal Ministry of Health.

The minister also stated how they plan to resolve the issue of salary shortfall of resident doctors from 2014 to 2016 and also the issue of hazard allowance in the meeting.

They also considered the abolishment of the bench fees, residency training allowance, group life insurance payment, and payment of residents on the GIFMIS platform in the meeting .