NARD strike: FG imposes ‘no work, no pay’ policy

The Federal Government has issued a directive to Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors in Federal Tertiary Hospitals regarding the ongoing strike by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD). They have been instructed to implement a no-work, no-pay policy for the striking members of NARD. Additionally, the hospitals are required to maintain an attendance register for all resident doctors who are willing to work.

The letter conveying these instructions was written by the Federal Ministry of Health and was addressed to the CMDs and MDs of all Federal Tertiary Hospitals in the country. The letter, titled “Re: Incessant Strike Action by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors: Implementation of the Federal Government’s ‘No Work, No Pay’ Policy,” was signed by Dr. Andrew Noah, Director of Hospital Services. Our correspondent obtained the letter on Thursday.

The strike by NARD began on July 26, 2023, after the government failed to meet their demands within the two-week deadline. Among their demands are the cessation of downgrading membership certificates issued by West African Postgraduate Medical and Surgical Colleges, the immediate payment of all salary arrears, the implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, a new hazard allowance, and the domestication of the Medical Residency Training Act.

In response to the ongoing strike, the government accused the striking doctors of being insensitive. Various conciliatory meetings involving the Federal Ministry of Health, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, government stakeholders, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and the National Assembly have failed to resolve the matter.

The directive to implement the “No work, No Pay” policy against the striking resident doctors is in accordance with a circular dated June 22, 2016, and the Federal Ministry of Health has informed the hospitals to keep a monthly attendance register of willing resident doctors.

The Secretary-General of NARD, Dr. Kelechi Chikezie, acknowledged the receipt of the letter and stated that the directive was not unexpected. He mentioned that NARD’s leadership would meet to discuss and take a position on the matter.