Doctors begin indefinite strike

The Kaduna state chapter of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced that it has begun indefinite strike.

President of the association, Dr Mahmood Rufa’i, told the media in Kaduna that all doctors were given 24 hours to hand over and discharge all patients at the General and rural hospitals within the state.

The association had after its congress, unanimously issued one week ultimatum to the state government.

Mr Rufa’i said the association demanded full implementation of the new Federal Government CONMESS and SKIPPING as well as upward review with immediate effect.

“The association as an affiliate member of National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) held a virtual emergency congress on Friday to scrutinise the attitude of the state government following the two weeks ultimatum.

“The ultimatum was given to the government on March 6, to discuss lingering challenges affecting the welfare of its members.

“For the purpose of emphasis, failure of the government to address the above stated challenges before the timeline of August 4, necessitates the congress to embark on an indefinite strike,” he said.

Rufa’ said doctors were still on 59 per cent of the Reviewed 2009 CONMESS which was implemented 2014.

“The congress observed that the insinuation for the full implementation of the 2009 CONMESS has changed following the removal of fuel subsidy, increase in fuel price and cost of living, an upward review of the CONMESS is necessary,” he said.