Reporting by BusinessDay indicates that the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has officially declared an indefinite strike across all federal and state tertiary health institutions. The industrial action follows the expiration of several ultimatums given to the Federal Government regarding unpaid salary arrears, the implementation of the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), and deteriorating working conditions.
The strike has paralyzed activities in major hospitals, leaving many patients stranded. Association leaders expressed frustration over the “nonchalant attitude” of the Ministry of Health toward previous agreements, stating that the mass exodus of medical professionals, popularly known as the ‘Japa’ syndrome, will only accelerate if these core welfare issues remain unaddressed.
The Punch confirmed the shutdown, reporting that “patients in Lagos and Abuja hospitals were turned back as doctors withdrew services,” while Vanguard noted that “the strike comes at a critical time when the health sector is already reeling from a manpower shortage.”
Echotitbits take: This strike is a significant blow to a healthcare system already on life support. With doctors demanding immediate financial parity and better equipment, the government must move beyond verbal promises to actual fund disbursements to prevent a total collapse of public health services.
Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/resident-doctors-begin-indefinite-strike-tuesday/, April 5, 2026
Photo credit: The Punch
