BREAKING: Striking doctors refuse to sign new MoU with FG after marathon six-hour meeting

By Biola Adebayo On Aug 22, 2021

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National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has refused assent to a new memorandum of understanding brokered by the Nigeria Medical Association to end the three weeks old strike that has crippled medical services in government hospitals across the nation.

NARD President, Uyilawa Okhuaihesuyi, declined his assent owing to an undisclosed clause, in the memorandum of understanding.

Solacebase reports that the meeting was summoned at the instance of President Muhammadu Buhari, aimed at resolving the doctors’ strike that started at about 2 p.m on Friday but adjourned in the early hours of Saturday before reconvening in the afternoon.

Okhuaihesuyi said NARD’s leadership has to consult with members of the association before he appends his signature.

Speaking with journalists after the over six hours closed-door meeting, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, said all other unions in the negotiation, including the Nigeria Medical Association and the Medical and Dental Consultants of Nigeria, signed the new agreement, having agreed on all the issues raised.

Meanwhile, the minister also clarified that the meeting did not discuss the issues of ‘no work, no pay,’ but said all parties at the meeting agreed to an out-of-court settlement.

Recalls the Federal Government had taken the striking doctors to court last week, as it asked the National Industrial Court to mandate the doctors to return to work.

The court hearing on the case was adjourned to 15th September.