The North-Central caucus of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) has called for the immediate reinstatement of colleagues sacked from the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Lokoja, Kogi State, warning that failure to act could trigger a nationwide strike.
At a press conference in Abuja on Friday, caucus leader Dr. Fanen Dogoh described the dismissals allegedly over unauthorised protest and union activities—as unjust. He noted that multiple committees had recommended the reinstatement of the affected doctors, but the Federal Government has yet to act despite a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
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Dr. Dogoh also highlighted widespread welfare concerns, including unpaid allowances and arrears owed to resident doctors at federal institutions such as FTH Makurdi, where 18 months of arrears remain unsettled, and in Ilorin, Kwara State. He urged the government to resolve these issues promptly to prevent a total shutdown of resident doctors’ services nationwide, noting that the strike would commence on Monday, January 12, if demands were ignored.
He emphasised that compliance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and timely payment of entry-level allowances were critical, and warned that continued neglect could result in the loss of significant medical talent.
Vice President II of NARD, Dr. Kwarshak Kelvin, supported the call, urging the Minister of Health and Social Welfare to transmit promotion arrears to the relevant authorities. He also raised concerns about delayed implementation of the professional allowance table, citing 18 months of unpaid entitlements since June 2024.
Dr. Kelvin appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene to avert disruptions to the nation’s health system.
