Key Points

• The doctors strike hits 15 days as CBA remains unresolved.

• Nationwide hospitals face major disruption during the doctors strike.

• NARD’s 19-point demand list drives the doctors strike.

As their indefinite strike entered its 15th day on Saturday, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) asked the federal government to quickly finish a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that had been delayed for a long time.

The union also asked for a review of the old Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) to make sure it reflects the way things are now.

NARD said in a statement on X, “Dear Nigerians, doctors deserve a fair deal!” We have been waiting for a long time for a Collective Bargaining Agreement, which is a simple, written promise that makes sure everyone is treated fairly, knows the terms of their work, and gets paid what they are owed. But the government keeps putting things off, and doctors’ costs keep going up and their morale keeps going down. We want the CBA to end right away and the old CONMESS pay structure to be looked at again.

The strike, which started earlier this month, has affected 91 hospitals across the country, including federal teaching hospitals, specialist hospitals, and federal medical centres. It has made medical services less reliable and put a lot of stress on patients and their families.

NARD makes demands to end the strike

The union’s 19-point list includes unpaid CONMESS dues, residency training funds for 2025, specialist allowances, and recognition of postgraduate degrees.

Federal hospitals, specialist centres, and schools of medicine are all operating at less than full capacity, which is delaying important care.

Doctors are on strike because of delays in CBA

NARD said that stalled CBA talks and low pay for medical staff make them less motivated and put the future of healthcare at risk.

President Bola Tinubu told the Ministry of Health to end the strike, saying that the government is meeting the doctors’ demands. Doctors are still frustrated by the delays in finalising the CBA and reviewing salaries, which is making their living costs go up.