…decision to suspend the strike by NARD was taken in the interest of Nigerians
ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its planned nationwide strike following the intervention of Vice President Kashim Shettima, who stepped in to address the key issues raised by the doctors.
Confirming the development to iNews Times after a meeting of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC), NARD President, Dr Mohammad Suleiman, said the Vice President engaged the leadership of the association and issued directives that helped resolve several pending concerns, while requesting more time to tackle other outstanding matters.
Suleiman explained that, in response to the intervention, the NEC unanimously agreed to halt the strike action that was scheduled to commence the following day, as a mark of respect for the efforts of the presidency. He noted that the decision was reached just hours earlier and that further details would be communicated in due course.
He added that a comprehensive communiqué outlining the resolutions and proposed next steps would be released in the coming days. Suleiman also said he would address the media once fully recovered, stressing that the association was granting the government additional time to act in good faith.
Also confirming the development in Lagos, the President of the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Metta, ARD, Dr Victor Oloregbulem, said the decision to suspend the strike by NARD was taken in the interest of Nigerians and followed extensive stakeholder engagement.
According to him, the suspension was influenced by some notable gains already secured by the association, even though many are yet to be fully implemented. He said the strike had been suspended for two weeks to allow the Federal Government sufficient time to complete ongoing actions, especially in light of the progress already recorded.
The suspension has provided temporary relief for millions of Nigerians who rely on public health facilities, while highlighting continued negotiations aimed at preventing a nationwide disruption of healthcare services.
