Hospitals Reopen as Doctors Call Off Strike
By Wellington Jopelo
Patients and healthcare workers across Nigeria experienced relief on Tuesday after the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors suspended its planned nationwide strike.
The association had earlier scheduled an indefinite industrial action over unpaid salaries, allowances, and other welfare concerns affecting its members.
However, following high-level interventions by Vice President Kashim Shettima and key government officials, the strike was called off, with doctors giving the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to address outstanding issues.
In a statement, NARD leadership said the decision was reached after extensive deliberations, expressing cautious optimism over renewed government engagement.
Despite suspending the strike, the doctors insisted that unresolved issues, including salary arrears, unpaid allowances, and delayed promotions, must be addressed within the ultimatum period.
They warned that failure to meet these demands could lead to an immediate resumption of the strike.
Across major hospitals, services resumed fully, with patients and medical staff welcoming the development.
Medical activities continued in several hospitals even before the suspension, although some outpatient services had experienced minor disruptions.
The association urged its members nationwide to remain calm while awaiting the government’s response, stressing that further action would depend on progress made within the two-week window.
The move has restored operations in public hospitals, easing pressure on the healthcare system and patients seeking medical attention.