The North-Central caucus of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) has demanded the immediate reinstatement of colleagues sacked from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, Kogi State. The dismissals, which were reportedly linked to unauthorised protests and union activities, were described by the caucus as unjust.
Dr. Fanen Dogoh, caucus leader, said several committees had recommended the reinstatement of the affected doctors, but the government has yet to act. He also cited a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Federal Government and the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), which the government has failed to honour.
The caucus raised concerns over unpaid allowances and arrears owed to resident doctors in various federal institutions. Notably, doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, are reportedly owed 18 months’ arrears, while their counterparts in Ilorin, Kwara State, are similarly affected.
Dogoh warned that if the Federal Government does not address these issues, resident doctors nationwide may commence a strike. He stated that the association would begin industrial action on Monday, January 12, if the government fails to act on the MoU and other pending agreements.
In addition, the caucus called for the resumption of payment at the entry point for doctors and compliance with the stalled Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which they said is crucial to preventing service disruptions and ensuring fair treatment of medical professionals.