Doctors in Nigeria, represented by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), have suspended their 7-day warning strike. The strike, which began on August 26, 2024, was primarily aimed at advocating for the release of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a NARD member who has been held captive since December 27, 2023. Dr. Popoola, a registrar at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna, was abducted alongside her husband and nephew. Her husband was released in March, but she and her nephew remain in captivity.
Resume Duties: NARD President, Dele Abdullahi, confirmed that doctors are to resume their duties on September 2, 2024.
Agreed Actions: The strike was suspended following a productive engagement with the federal government, which has agreed to a line of actions to address the issues raised by the doctors.
Future Review: The steps taken by the government will be reviewed in the next three weeks. Dr. Abdullahi emphasized the need for effective measures to combat kidnappings, banditry, and other security concerns.
The suspension of the strike reflects ongoing negotiations and the hope for tangible progress in improving security and addressing the concerns of medical professionals in Nigeria.
