NARD Backs OAUTHC Resident Doctors, Demands Urgent Resolution Of Welfare Dispute

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared full solidarity with its members at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (ARD OAUTHC).

It called for urgent intervention to resolve a worsening welfare dispute that has triggered an indefinite strike.

In a statement issued by its National Officers’ Committee under the leadership of Dr Mohammad Usman Suleiman, NARD said it stands firmly with the OAUTHC resident doctors following resolutions reached at an emergency general meeting held on June 20, 2026.

The association said the industrial action declared by ARD OAUTHC was necessitated by long-standing grievances that had remained unresolved despite repeated engagements with management and the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum.

Among the issues raised are the restoration of call-duty meal provisions for doctors on call, reimbursement and free issuance of staff identity cards, provision of habitable residential accommodation for resident doctors, inclusion of resident doctors in the implementation of applicable allowances, and the abolition of bench fees imposed on resident doctors from accredited private teaching hospitals undergoing rotations at OAUTHC.

NARD expressed concern over what it described as a breakdown of trust between both parties, noting that sustained dialogue had failed to produce meaningful resolution.

The association said it fully supports the position of ARD OAUTHC, describing the demands as “justifiable, welfare-driven, and consistent with fairness, equity, and conducive postgraduate medical training.”

It therefore called on the management of OAUTHC to immediately enter into sincere and transparent negotiations with the striking doctors in order to resolve the dispute without further delay.

NARD also warned against any form of victimization, intimidation, harassment, punitive transfers, salary withholding, or disciplinary action against doctors participating in the industrial action, stressing that such moves would be strongly resisted through lawful means.

The association urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare,  alongside OAUTHC management and other stakeholders, to urgently intervene to prevent further escalation of industrial unrest.

It further emphasised that resident doctors remain central to Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system and postgraduate medical training, adding that their welfare and dignity must be safeguarded.

“An injury to one resident doctor is an injury to all,” the statement added, reaffirming NARD’s continued backing of ARD OAUTHC until all legitimate demands are addressed.