Resident doctors now in negotiations with FG.

The National Association of Resident Doctors members began a five-day warning strike on Wednesday, and the Federal Government said talks with interested parties are still underway.

The Federal Ministry of Health’s Director of Public Health, Dr. Morenike Alex-Okoh, responded to questioning from reporters in Abuja on Wednesday by saying that the strike concerned the government.

“The situation with the doctors’ strike is of concern to the government and the negotiations have been ongoing.

“We will continue under the circumstances, so, I cannot give you any conclusive response now.

“However, government, the leadership of the ministry and relevant stakeholders are meeting to resolve the situation as quickly as possible,’’ she said.

NARD gave the FG notice on Tuesday that, should it fail to address the issues raised before May 29th, it could not guarantee continued industrial harmony.

NARD’s letter entitled: “Notice of Strike Action’’ was signed jointly by its National President, Dr Innocent Orji and Secretary-General, Dr Chikezie Kelechi.

They claimed that NARD had given the FG a two-week deadline to address the issues outlined in the deadline before May 13 (the deadline’s expiration date).

The letter read in part, “Regrettably, the issues have remained unresolved despite several attempts by NARD to get the government to resolve them.

“Rising from her Extra-Ordinary Meeting on Monday, May 15, NARD’s National Executive Council resolved to embark on a five-day warning strike beginning on May 17.’’

The Consolidated Medical Salary Structure must be immediately increased by 200 percent of the existing gross physician salary, according to the doctors.

The NARD is also calling for the urgent withdrawal of a bill that would require recent medical and dental graduates to undergo five years of mandatory military service in Nigeria prior to receiving full licenses to practice.

Additionally, it calls for the Medical Residency Training Act to be immediately domesticated and for state governments to evaluate the Hazard Allowance.