NARD President, Mohammad Usman Suleiman, disclosed this in a statement, saying the association’s advocacy is about saving the Nigerian health system, not personal gains or political interests.

Recall that the association declared that it would embark on a nationwide indefinite strike starting from November 1, following the expiration of a 30-day ultimatum earlier issued to the Federal Government.

“Our demands are not selfish, neither are they politically motivated. They are genuine, germane, and patriotic, centred on the survival of the Nigerian health system and the well-being of every citizen who depends on it,” Suleiman said.

According to him, the quality of care Nigerians receive is directly tied to the working condition of the doctors who treat them.

“A resident doctor who is overworked, underpaid, and mentally exhausted cannot offer optimal care to the patient who needs them most,” he noted.

He said many of the issues being raised, including workload, remuneration, staffing, arrears, and infrastructure, are issues that determine whether hospitals can provide safe, timely and effective care.

Suleiman said the association’s push for reform is ultimately in the interest of patients, adding that the future of healthcare in Nigeria requires that the government invests meaningfully in the professionals who sustain the system.

Read Also: Unmet demands: Resident doctors begin indefinite strike November 1

NARD therefore called on civil society, labour unions, religious leaders, traditional institutions, and ordinary citizens to speak up and pressure government to fulfil agreements and prioritise healthcare.

“This is not a fight between resident doctors and government; it is a struggle for a functional, just, and humane healthcare system,” Suleiman declared.

He added that NARD always stand with the people, and “now we ask you to stand with us in solidarity and service to humanity.”

Source: Punch