Nigerian doctors in public hospitals have resumed work after suspending their five-day nationwide strike to demand, among others, a salary increase of 200%.
This follows a “review of the commitments made by the federal government” in their latest meeting, the National Association of Resident Doctors (Nard) said.
The association is demanding a 200% salary increment, hiring to replace professionals who have left the system and an immediate upgrade of infrastructure in public hospitals.
They are also calling for a withdrawal of a bill that seeks to stop doctors who have recently graduated from leaving the country until they have worked for five years.
Nard president Emeka Orji told the BBC that the government had promised that some payments would be made next month.
This is despite President Muhammadu Buhari leaving office on 29 May.
“Government is in continuum so we are not worried. These issues are not going to go away because of a change of government.
“If some of our demands are met soon as promised, let the new government take care of the rest. We don’t want any blame-game.” Dr Orji said.
The doctors say they will monitor the situation for two weeks before deciding on the next line of action.
Apart from a 200% salary increase, the doctors are demanding that the government fills vacancies, upgrades infrastructure in public hospitals, and withdraws a bill that seeks to stop doctors who have recently graduated from leaving the country until they have worked for five years.
