•Atiku Abubakar
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has said that its members are set to embark on another total, indefinite and comprehensive strike over unresolved welfare issues, following what it described as the Federal Government’s breach of agreement on the Professional Allowance Table (PAT).
In a statement posted on its official X account, the association condemned the suspension of PAT implementation, noting that the decision undermines prior commitments and threatens the well-being of doctors nationwide.
The association warned that its members would resume a total, indefinite and comprehensive strike by midnight April 7, 2026, if the government fails to take urgent steps to address its concerns, reports The Guardian.
The NARD, therefore, called for the immediate reversal of the PAT suspension, insisting that the move represents a violation of agreements reached with health workers.
It, however, demanded the payment of all outstanding promotion and salary arrears owed to its members, stressing that prolonged delays have continued to affect morale within the health sector.
The association also urged the swift conclusion and disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), noting that funding gaps are hindering the training and development of resident doctors.
Besides, the doctors demanded the payment of 19 months’ PAT arrears, as well as the regularisation of house officers’ salaries and the clearance of all outstanding arrears.
Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised alarm over a potential nationwide healthcare shutdown, backing the NARD and accusing the federal government of failing to honour agreements reached with the association.
In a statement on his X handle yesterday, Atiku said that it was unacceptable for resident doctors to beg for entitlements that had already been agreed upon, particularly the PAT signed by the government.
According to him, the failure to address these concerns reflects a broader pattern of disregard for healthcare workers, even as many continue to leave the country in search of better opportunities abroad.
Relatedly, the management of FUTA Teaching Hospital, Akure, Ondo State, has refuted the allegations of arbitrary staff removal, demotions, and intimidation levelled against it by the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), Ondo State Council.
The management, while describing the claims as unfounded and misleading, noted that every action taken by the current administration aligns with established frameworks and best practices applicable to all federal teaching hospitals nationwide.
With the health workers threatening a shutdown after notice of withdrawal of service was given, the management of the teaching hospital,
In a statement by its Head of Public Relations, Tope Fayehun, the management of the teaching hospital reaffirmed its dedication to staff welfare and the delivery of world-class healthcare.
According to Fayehun, FUTATH’s operational decisions are aimed at optimising service delivery for patients who travel from far and wide seeking quality care, emphasising that the facility operates strictly within transparent and collaborative processes that have been acclaimed by the majority of workers.
The management also denied all allegations levelled against the Chief Medical Director (CMD) and the hospital administration, describing the position of the union as a misrepresentation of the hospital’s governance culture.
The management urged NUAHP executives and members to shelve their planned action and instead engage constructively through ongoing dialogue channels.
It stressed that the union’s cooperation is vital to sustaining the current momentum of progress and the transitioning process while ensuring uninterrupted compassionate care for patients.
