The Nigerian government has taken a decisive step to address the ongoing strike by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) by directing the Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors in Federal Tertiary Hospitals to enforce the “no work, no pay” policy.

The directive, obtained from the Federal Ministry of Health, also requires hospitals to maintain an attendance register for resident doctors willing to continue working.

The strike, which began on July 26, 2023, is a result of the association’s demands, including the implementation of a one-for-one replacement policy for healthcare workers, halting the downgrading of membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, and immediate payment of salary arrears, among others.

Despite various conciliatory meetings with government stakeholders, the strike persisted, prompting the government to resort to the “no work, no pay” policy.

The letter, signed by the Director of Hospital Services, accused the doctors of being insensitive.

In response, the Secretary General of NARD acknowledged the expected policy and stated that the association’s leaders would convene to decide on their position.