National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria(NARD) on Monday commenced a nationwide strike amidst the coronavirus pandemic after the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum.
According to the Nation, NARD President, Dr Aliyu Sokomba, announced this while addressing a press conference on Monday in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. He stated that the union has decided to exempt its members working in various coronavirus (COVID-19) isolation and treatment centres across the country.
Dr Sokomba, however, stated that exemption of the members attending to COVID-19 patients was for two weeks before they join the industrial action. Their demands included:
– Stoppage of Illegal deductions of Salaries by some state government
– Refund of illegally deducted salaries
-Non-payment of salaries of some members
-Non-payment of COVID19 inducement allowances
-Inadequate supply of Personal Protective Equipment
-Harassment and Assault of Doctors in the line of duty.
-Failure of government to provide life insurance for doctors and other health workers in the frontline.