By Chioma Obinna

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Tuesday threw its weight behind the ongoing indefinite strike by the Association of Resident Doctors at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, warning hospital authorities against any attempt to intimidate or punish affected doctors.

The solidarity declaration follows an emergency meeting by the OAUTHC chapter on June 20, where members resolved to down tools over what they described as unresolved welfare and workplace issues despite months of dialogue and the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum issued to management.

NARD OAUTHC chapter is demanding for the restoration of call-duty meal provisions for doctors on emergency shifts, free issuance and reimbursement of staff identity cards, provision of habitable accommodation for resident doctors, inclusion in applicable allowances, and the abolition of bench fees charged to resident doctors from accredited private teaching hospitals undergoing clinical rotations at the institution.

In a press statement jointly signed by its President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, NARD, the Secretary General, Dr. Shualbulbrahim and Publicity and Social Secretary, Abdulmalid Yahya Ibrahir and posted on its X handle, (@nard_Nigeria) stated that the grievances raised by the doctors were justifiable, welfare-driven, and consistent with fairness, equity, and conducive postgraduate medical training.

“The National Officers Committee fully supports the position of ARD OAUTHC and affirms that the demands presented are legitimate. Resident doctors remain the backbone of healthcare delivery and postgraduate medical training in Nigeria. Their welfare, safety and dignity must never be compromised,” they stated.

The association expressed concern over what it described as a “breakdown of trust” between the hospital management and the doctors, saying repeated opportunities for constructive engagement had failed to produce meaningful results.

NARD called on the management of OAUTHC, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and other relevant authorities to urgently intervene and broker a resolution to avert further disruption in healthcare services.

It also issued a strong warning against victimisation of any doctor participating in the strike.
“Any form of intimidation, harassment, punitive transfer, salary withholding or disciplinary action against our members will be viewed as an attack on the collective rights of resident doctors nationwide and will be resisted through all lawful means,” the statement added.

The standoff raised fresh concerns over the fragile state of Nigeria’s health sector, where industrial disputes over welfare and working conditions continue to threaten service delivery in public hospitals.
NARD insisted that it will stand firmly with its OAUTHC members until what it calls “justice is served” and all legitimate demands are addressed.