The indefinite strike by resident doctors in Nigeria, under the umbrella of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, has paralysed healthcare services in many hospitals across the country, leaving patients stranded and wards deserted.
At the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, the hitherto busy Surgical Emergency Unit is deserted, with only a few patients waiting helplessly outside. Nurses on duty confirmed that no new admissions are being made, as doctors have completely withdrawn their services. “We can only stabilise patients and refer them to other hospitals.
The Deputy Leader of the South-West Caucus of NARD, Dr. Salmon Oladapo, expressed frustration over the government’s slow response and lack of meaningful engagement in words:
On his part, NARD President, Dr. Muhammad Suleiman, insisted that the strike would remain indefinite until all 19 of the union’s demands were met by the government. “Only two the salary review and accoutrement allowance have been addressed. Seventeen remain unresolved,” he said.
In its statement, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare claimed it had released funds to offset the outstanding arrears and was in discussions with the union, adding that over 20,000 health workers had been recruited in 2024, with another 15,000 planned for 2025.
Correspondents for LEADERSHIP reported similar scenes across the country:
In Lafia, wards and consulting units at the Federal University of Lafia Teaching Hospital were empty, as patients were seen leaving with relatives in search of treatment elsewhere.
In Yenagoa, the Federal Medical Centre was deserted, with most buildings locked up and few staff around.
Operations were paralysed at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi, leaving patients in a state of despair.
In Calabar, the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital was barely operational as few consultants and nurses were present. The strike continues to reveal the weakness of Nigeria’s public health system since thousands of patients across the country have remained unattended, pending a resolution between the government and doctors.
