The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has temporarily halted its scheduled daily nationwide protest following a closed-door discussion with key Senate officials.

NARD President Emeka Orji shared this development, clarifying that a reevaluation will take place within the next 72 hours.

Orji revealed, “We engaged with the Senate president, majority and minority leaders, and Whip.

Consequently, the previously planned protest set for Wednesday has been put on hold, and a reassessment will occur within 72 hours.”

Initially, the striking doctors had intended to launch a peaceful protest starting Wednesday if their demands were not met by the government.

This decision emerged in response to the Federal Government’s directive to enforce the “no work, no pay” policy against the striking doctors among the Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of federal tertiary hospitals.

The resident doctors initiated an indefinite strike on July 26, citing unmet demands as the reason.

Their demands include the one-for-one replacement policy for healthcare workers, discontinuation of downgrading the membership certificate by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, prompt payment of salary arrears, implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, an updated hazard allowance, and the domestication of the Medical Residency Training Act, among other matters.