The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its five-day warning strike, just two days after the industrial action commenced across the country.
Announcing the suspension on Friday, the doctors said they had decided to return to work but handed the Federal Government a fresh two-week ultimatum to address their demands.
The strike, which began on Wednesday, had disrupted health services nationwide, with patients in teaching hospitals and federal medical centres bearing the brunt of the action.
NARD said the decision to suspend the strike was taken in the interest of Nigerians and to give government authorities another chance to respond to issues bordering on poor welfare, outstanding allowances, and inadequate funding of the health sector.
The association warned that if the government fails to act within the given two weeks, it may be forced to resume a more prolonged strike.
Health experts and civil society groups have urged both parties to find a lasting solution to the recurring disputes in order to stabilise Nigeria’s fragile healthcare system.
