Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors Declares Nationwide 7-Day Strike in Response to Colleague's Abduction
Wisdom Tide
26/08/2024
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced a nationwide 7-day warning strike, set to begin at midnight on Monday, August 26, 2024. This decision comes as a direct response to the unresolved abduction of one of their members, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a registrar in the Department of Ophthalmology at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna.
The President of NARD, Dr. Dele Abdullahi, made the announcement following an emergency meeting convened by the National Executive Council (NEC) of the association. The strike is described as "total," with no exceptions made for emergency care during the duration of the action.
“This strike is a clear message that we will no longer tolerate the insecurity that has made it impossible for our members to work safely,” Dr. Abdullahi stated. “We are taking this drastic step because the situation has become unbearable, and the government has failed to provide any concrete solutions.”
Background of the Incident
The abduction of Dr. Popoola occurred on December 27, 2023, when she, her husband, and their nephew were kidnapped. Despite ongoing efforts, only her husband has been released, in March 2024, while Dr. Popoola and her nephew remain in captivity. The prolonged ordeal has left the medical community and the nation in shock, with growing concerns about the safety of healthcare professionals in Nigeria.
Dr. Popoola’s abduction is a stark reminder of the escalating insecurity in the country, particularly the rising incidence of kidnappings for ransom. The inability to secure her release after nearly eight months has intensified frustrations among her colleagues, leading to increased pressure on the government to take action.
Previous Protests and Government Inaction
In the lead-up to this strike, NARD members staged a protest on August 15, 2024, in Lagos, to voice their anger and demand the immediate release of Dr. Popoola and her nephew. The protest, which was organized by resident doctors from the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Metta, was one of several demonstrations held nationwide to draw attention to the worsening security situation.
Despite these efforts, the government has yet to respond adequately to the doctors' concerns, prompting NARD to escalate their actions with the declaration of this nationwide strike. The strike, they hope, will force the government to take more decisive steps to secure the release of their abducted colleague and address the broader issue of insecurity.
Impact on Healthcare Services
The strike is expected to have a significant impact on healthcare services across the country, particularly in public hospitals where resident doctors play a critical role in patient care. The decision to withdraw all services, including emergency care, reflects the severity of the situation and the desperation felt by NARD members.
Healthcare experts warn that the strike could lead to a crisis in the health sector, with thousands of patients potentially being denied access to essential medical services. The association, however, has emphasized that the safety and security of its members must be prioritized, even if it means temporarily disrupting healthcare services.
“We deeply regret the impact this strike will have on patients and the public,” Dr. Abdullahi said. “But we can no longer continue to work under these conditions where our lives are constantly at risk. We call on the government to act swiftly to resolve this issue and prevent further harm to our members and the patients we serve.”
Broader Implications for National Security
The abduction of Dr. Popoola is part of a broader pattern of insecurity that has plagued Nigeria in recent years. Kidnappings, particularly of professionals and other high-profile individuals, have become increasingly common, contributing to a climate of fear and uncertainty across the country.
The medical community, already burdened by the challenges of providing care in a resource-constrained environment, is now grappling with the additional threat of violence and abduction. NARD’s decision to strike is not only a call for the immediate release of their colleague but also a demand for a comprehensive strategy to address the root causes of insecurity in Nigeria.
The strike has also sparked concerns about the long-term implications for the country’s healthcare system. Prolonged insecurity and the threat of violence could lead to a brain drain, with medical professionals seeking safer opportunities abroad. This, in turn, could exacerbate the already critical shortage of healthcare workers in Nigeria and further weaken the health system.
Call for Government Action
As the strike begins, NARD has issued a series of demands to the federal government, including the immediate release of Dr. Popoola and her nephew, enhanced security measures for healthcare workers, and a commitment to addressing the underlying issues of insecurity that have made such drastic action necessary.
The association has also called on civil society organizations, professional bodies, and the international community to support their cause and press the Nigerian government to fulfill its responsibilities to protect its citizens, particularly those on the frontlines of essential services like healthcare.
“We are not just fighting for Dr. Popoola; we are fighting for all Nigerians who deserve to live and work in safety,” Dr. Abdullahi stated. “We hope that this strike will be a wake-up call to the government to take immediate and decisive action to address the security challenges facing our country.”
Conclusion
The nationwide 7-day strike declared by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors is a significant development that highlights the ongoing security crisis in Nigeria. As healthcare services come to a halt, the focus now shifts to the government’s response and whether it can meet the demands of NARD to ensure the safety and security of its members.
The strike not only underscores the gravity of the situation but also serves as a reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms in Nigeria. The outcome of this strike will likely have far-reaching implications for the country’s healthcare sector and the broader fight against insecurity
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