In response to the rising number of attacks on medical professionals across the country, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government 21 days to begin implementing a national framework for the protection of healthcare workers.
At a press conference following the adjournment of its Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) in Kano, NARD also declared a trade dispute with the government over 14 unresolved demands affecting the health sector.
The union’s president, Mohammad Suleiman, lamented that the rising cases of assault, intimidation, harassment and violent attacks on doctors pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s already fragile healthcare system.
He said, “The OGM observed with grave concern the disturbing rise in cases of assault, harassment, intimidation and violent attacks against doctors across the country while discharging their professional duties.”
Speaking further, Suleiman described the trend as “barbaric, unacceptable and a dangerous threat” to the survival of the health system.
As part of its resolutions, the association urged the government and security agencies to strengthen protection for medical personnel and health facilities across the country. It also called for the prompt investigation, arrest, and prosecution of those responsible for attacks on health workers.
“Consequently, the OGM gives the Federal Government a 21-day window to commence concrete actions towards the development and implementation of a National Healthcare Workers Assault Prevention and Response Protocol, as well as the initiation of the necessary legislative process to address this menace.”
Meanwhile, these include the immediate release and payment of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), which the association noted remains unpaid despite repeated assurances.
Welfare and Recruitment Concerns
NARD also raised concerns over deteriorating welfare conditions for house officers, including unpaid arrears, delayed salaries, and challenges with internship placement and onboarding.
In addition, it called for government intervention on excessive workloads, prolonged call-duty hours, the casualisation of doctors, and abusive locum appointments, as well as the full implementation of outstanding provisions in the Medical and Health Workers’ Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
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