Association of Resident Doctors, ARD, Kaduna State chapter, has reiterated its commitment to dialogue and fair negotiations, as it embarks on an indefinite strike beginning Monday, September 1.
A communiqué released after an emergency virtual congress and shared with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, ARD expressed appreciation for earlier engagements and urged timely fulfillment of key agreements.
President of ARD, Dr Richard Daniel, lauded members patience, noting that they worked beyond the initial deadline to give government time to implement 2024 CONMESS and resolve other longstanding welfare demands.
“Our members showed understanding by staying on duty while expecting the implementation of agreements signed in good faith.
“We hoped all concerns would be resolved by the end of August,” Daniel stated.
However, he said no changes reflecting the agreement were observed in August salary, in spite of the expiration of government’s two-month implementation timeline agreed upon in June.
As a result, the association resolved to commence an indefinite strike, not as a first option, but a necessary response to repeated delays in addressing our legitimate demands and welfare concerns.
In a related move, ARD at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital announced that it would also begin an indefinite strike from midnight, August 31, in alignment with the broader action by the state chapter.
Dr Josiah Yakubu, representing Barau Dikko chapter, said formal reminder letters were sent on June 19, August 1 and 25, urging compliance with the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, signed in June.
“We remain hopeful that government will show goodwill by fulfilling its promises.
“Our goal remains quality healthcare, which depends on fair treatment and proper support for medical professionals,” Yakubu said.
Both associations called on the Kaduna State government to act promptly to avoid disruption in healthcare delivery and reaffirmed readiness to return once agreements are fully honoured and welfare concerns addressed. (NAN)
