RSM SUPPORTS THE STRIKE AND NATIONWIDE PROTEST OF THE NARD
REVOLUTIONARY SOCIALIST MOVEMENT (RSM)
PRESS STATEMENT
8TH AUGUST, 2023
RSM SUPPORTS THE STRIKE AND NATIONWIDE PROTEST OF THE NARD
- • We call for an immediate increase in funding for public health
- • We call on the federal and state governments to meet the NARD demands
- • We call for an end to the “no work no pay” policy
The Revolutionary Socialist Movement (RSM) supports the strike action embarked upon by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD). The anti-workers policies of the government have been extended to the health sector and the Resident Doctors are currently left with no other option than to embark on nationwide strike and protest actions. If this situation is not immediately attended to, lots of lives and the overall health of the common people who rely on public health will be at stake. Hence, we call on the government at all levels to immediately meet the demands of the NARD now.
On the 2nd of August, 2021, the attempt of the Nigerian Doctors to demand better working conditions under their civil right was repressed by court order on the 23rd of August. This historic industrial action of the NARD began during the COVID-19 pandemic and was fueled by the pay disputes between the Resident Doctors and the Federal government of Nigeria, where the union accused the government of going back on an agreement that they had reached during the previous strike, in April 2021. Following this, the Resident Doctors (who represent approximately 40 per cent of doctors in the country) went on strike.
The strike commenced a few weeks later but the government again deliberately ignored the cries and demands of the Resident Doctors. Instead of meeting the demands of the Doctors, the government has further threatened them with mass retrenchment and no work no pay policies.
To salvage public health, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced its decision to embark on a daily peaceful protest and picketing of the Federal Ministry of Health, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, as well as all federal and state tertiary health institutions nationwide on Wednesday, August 9. If the NARD demands are not met, the struggle must continue with a plan for determined and continuous strikes and protests.
It is imperative to call on the public to join the Resident Doctors in solidarity to save public health from total collapse. We call on all unions, movements and civil society organisations to support the strike in any way they can, creating a common front in defence of adequate public health.
We believe the government is to be blamed for the reoccurrence of these industrial crises. Just like other public services, the government has continued to deliberately underfund the public health sector and left ordinary people at the peril of poor health infrastructures. Only 4% of the Nigerian budget was allocated to Health in 2023. We demand improved funding of the health sector and the building of more hospitals.
The situation in the public health sector creates a huge contrast with the frequent medical tourism of the ruling elites, based on taxpayers’ money. The Nigeria Health sector continues to suffer brain drain and burn-out effects due to severe shortage of manpower and poor pay. According to reports, about 2,000 doctors have left Nigeria over the past few years. These Doctors have named poor working conditions as the reason for their exit from the country.
Subsequently, upon this background, we of the Revolutionary Socialist Movement join the Resident Doctors to demand:
1. The immediate payment of the 2023 MRTF.
2. The immediate implementation of the new hazard allowance with arrears.
3. The immediate release of the circular on one-for-one replacement, and the payment of skipping arrears.
4. Upward review of CONMESS in line with full salary restoration to the 2014 value of CONMESS.
5. The payment of the arrears of consequential adjustment of minimum to the omitted doctors, and the reversal of the downgrading of the membership certificate by MDCN.
6. Provision of adequate medical diagnostic equipment, enhance security in the facilities and improve accommodations to members.
7. Immediate release of a circular for the recruitment of new staff to curtail the shortage of manpower in the state facilities.
Publicity Secretary
Salako Kayode