The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) commenced a seven-day warning strike on Monday to demand the rescue of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a Kaduna-based doctor kidnapped last December. The strike, which affected hospitals across the country, was initiated after the government failed to secure her release despite several pleas and a two-week deadline set by the association.
Government Response and Meetings
In response to the strike, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, met with the leadership of NARD to discuss the situation. NARD President, Dr. Dele Abdullahi, confirmed that the minister had promised to involve the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, in the matter. However, no immediate resolution was reached, leaving the strike in place.
Impact on Healthcare Services
Patients across the country faced significant delays in receiving medical care due to the strike. In Abuja, hospitals like the Federal Medical Centre and the National Hospital saw long waiting times as only a limited number of doctors were available.
Patient Frustration in Abuja
Sarah Adamu, a patient with a scheduled appointment for her diabetic condition, expressed her frustration at the delays. “I’ve been waiting for this appointment for weeks. Now, with the strike, I don’t know when I’ll be seen. It’s incredibly stressful,” she said. Another patient, Aisha Abdul, shared similar sentiments, emphasizing the urgency of her medical needs due to her age.
Hospital Management’s Perspective
Despite the challenges, hospital management, including the spokesperson for the National Hospital, Dr. Tayo Haastrup, assured the public that efforts were being made to attend to patients. “We sympathize with the doctors, and we pray their colleague is rescued immediately. However, the hospital is open, and we are attending to patients despite the delays,” Dr. Haastrup stated.
NARD’s Justification for the Strike
NARD defended their decision to strike, arguing that the safety and well-being of healthcare workers are paramount. “An injury to one is an injury to all. In a system where healthcare workers are under threat, how can we provide quality care?” a NARD representative explained. The association emphasized their readiness to return to work immediately if Dr. Popoola is rescued.
Similar Situation in Other States
The strike’s impact was felt nationwide. In Sokoto, resident doctors at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital also joined the strike. Dr. Uzairu Abdullahi, the association’s chairman at the hospital, stated, “She has been in captivity for too long, and we believe it’s high time the government and security agencies took her case more seriously.”
In Edo State, patients at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital faced similar challenges. One patient, Felicia, described her frustration after traveling several kilometers and spending over N3,000 on transport, only to be turned back due to the strike.
The ongoing strike by NARD has significantly disrupted healthcare services across Nigeria, leaving many patients in distress. While the association remains firm in its demands, the government’s response and the outcome of ongoing negotiations will determine the duration and impact of this industrial action.
