The Federal Government has appealed to the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to suspend their seven-day warning strike, as negotiations are underway to secure the release of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a kidnapped doctor.
Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made the plea during a visit to the National Eye Centre in Kaduna, where he assured that the government is working tirelessly to ensure Dr. Popoola’s safe return.
“We are in constant communication with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Commissioner of Police to resolve the situation,” Dr. Alausa said. “I urge NARD to call off the strike, as it may worsen the situation.”
Despite the minister’s efforts, the Chairman of NARD at the National Eye Centre, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed, confirmed that the strike is ongoing, with support from medical and dental consultants.
Dr. Popoola, a staff member at the National Eye Centre, was kidnapped in December 2023 and has been held captive for nine months, prompting NARD’s industrial action to demand her rescue.
