By Abiola Olawale
The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has intensified its appeal to President Bola Tinubu, urging his direct intervention to resolve its demands, including an estimated N38 billion in accumulated allowances owed to health workers.
In a letter addressed to the President, the doctors described the worsening state of the health sector as a “national emergency” and a “matter of national security.”
NARD listed 19 demands which it described as the minimum expectations required to avert a total and indefinite nationwide strike scheduled to commence on October 31.
This letter was signed by the association’s president, Mohammad Suleiman.
Suleiman said the association decided to reach out directly to the President out of “deep concern and a profound sense of duty,” adding that resident doctors, who provide specialist care across Nigerian hospitals, have been neglected despite their vital role in healthcare delivery.
The letter reads in part: “Your Excellency, we are aware that some individuals around you may have assured you that the challenges facing resident doctors have been resolved.
“Respectfully, sir, that information is not accurate. Our realities in the hospitals across Nigeria tell a different story.
“We are not politicians. We are doctors; men and women devoted to saving lives, working long hours in often harsh and under-resourced conditions.
“Our appeal is simple and sincere: we seek not luxuries, but the basic salaries, allowances, and welfare packages that have already been approved and promised by the government.
“While many in privileged positions continue to receive their full emoluments without delay, the frontline doctors who shoulder the burden of patient care are left struggling.
“This inequity is demoralising and threatens the very foundation of our healthcare delivery system.
“We therefore appeal to your fatherly leadership to personally intervene and resolve the long-standing 19-point demands of the Nigerian Resident Doctors to restore hope, trust, and stability to our health sector.
“We believe that under your decisive leadership, Nigeria’s health system can once again stand strong to serve our people with dignity and save countless lives.
“May God grant you the wisdom, strength, and goodwill to act swiftly in the interest of all Nigerians. Thank you, Your Excellency, for your kind attention and anticipated action.”
