The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced a seven-day warning strike, commencing at midnight on August 26, 2024, in response to prolonged captivity of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a registrar in the Department of Ophthalmology at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna.
Dr. Dele Abdullahi, NARD President, stated, “The strike is commencing by midnight today. It’s for seven days, it’s a warning strike, and it’s total. During the strike, there will be no concessions, and there will be no emergency care.”
Dr. Popoola and her nephew were abducted on December 27, 2023, alongside her husband, who was released in March. Despite being held captive for over eight months, the government has yet to ensure their safe return.
The strike is a direct result of the government’s inaction, according to NARD. The association has called on the government to take immediate action to secure Dr. Popoola’s release and address the security challenges facing healthcare professionals in the country.
The strike is expected to disrupt medical services across Nigeria, as resident doctors constitute a significant portion of the country’s healthcare workforce. NARD members have previously staged protests in Lagos, demanding Dr. Popoola’s release.
Resident
The decision to go on strike underscores the frustration and concern within the medical community regarding the safety and welfare of its members. NARD hopes that the strike will prompt the government to take decisive action to secure Dr. Popoola’s release and address the security challenges facing healthcare professionals.
