Abuja, Nigeria
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government a 21-day ultimatum starting from June 6, 2026, to take concrete steps to protect doctors and other healthcare workers from increasing attacks, harassment, and violence in hospitals across the country.
If the government fails to act, the doctors say they may begin industrial action that could disrupt services in public hospitals nationwide.
The ultimatum, which was announced after NARD’s Ordinary General Meeting held in Kano, is expected to expire on June 27, 2026.
Attacks on Doctors Becoming Too Frequent
NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, said doctors and healthcare workers are facing growing threats while carrying out their duties.
According to him, cases of physical assault, intimidation, harassment and violence against doctors have become too common and are putting Nigeria’s healthcare system under serious pressure.
He described the attacks as unacceptable and warned that they could further damage an already struggling health sector.
Many doctors across Nigeria have reported being attacked by patients’ relatives, criminal elements and even armed groups, especially during emergency situations when emotions are high.
In some cases, health workers have been assaulted after patients died, while others have faced threats while responding to emergencies.
NARD Wants Better Protection for Health Workers
The doctors’ association is demanding immediate action from the government, including the arrest and prosecution of people who attack healthcare workers.
NARD is also calling for stronger security in hospitals and health facilities across the country.
One of its major demands is the creation of a National Healthcare Workers Assault Prevention and Response Protocol, a national policy that would provide clear guidelines for preventing attacks, responding to incidents and punishing offenders.
The association said the Federal Government must begin work on the framework within the next 21 days.
Doctors Demand Payment of Training Fund
Apart from security concerns, NARD is also demanding the immediate release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
The fund supports resident doctors undergoing specialist medical training and is considered important for developing future medical experts in Nigeria.
According to the association, eligible resident doctors across the country are yet to receive the fund despite previous assurances from government authorities.
Unpaid Salaries and Allowances
NARD also wants the government to clear several outstanding payments owed to doctors.
These include:
- Outstanding CONMESS salary arrears.
- Nineteen months of unpaid professional allowance arrears.
- Salary and promotion arrears owed to doctors in federal and state hospitals.
- Errors observed in professional allowance payments made in May 2026.
The association says doctors should not have to keep fighting for benefits they have already earned.
Welfare Challenges Facing Young Doctors
The doctors’ body also raised concerns about poor welfare conditions affecting house officers and young medical professionals.
According to NARD, many young doctors experience delays in receiving salaries, unpaid allowances and difficulties securing internship placements.
The association further called for full implementation of agreements already reached between healthcare workers and the government.
It also complained about excessive workloads, long working hours and employment practices that it says are unfair to doctors.
Brain Drain Still Hitting Nigeria’s Health Sector
NARD warned that Nigeria continues to lose large numbers of doctors and nurses to countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Saudi Arabia and the United States.
The trend, popularly known as “Japa,” has left many hospitals short of manpower.
The association accused the Federal Character Commission of delaying recruitment by failing to issue compliance letters needed for employment processes.
NARD is demanding that the commission issue the required approvals within the 21-day ultimatum period to help hospitals recruit more healthcare workers.
Concerns Over Teaching Hospitals
The association also highlighted unresolved issues at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex in Ile-Ife and Lagos University Teaching Hospital.
Among the concerns raised were welfare issues, staffing shortages, infrastructure challenges and allegations of victimisation of medical personnel.
Governors Receive Praise
Despite its complaints, NARD commended the governors of Ademola Adeleke and Abba Kabir Yusuf for efforts aimed at improving healthcare services and addressing challenges facing doctors in their states.
Strike May Follow If Government Fails to Act
NARD has officially declared an industrial dispute with the Federal Government and warned that it cannot guarantee industrial peace after the ultimatum expires.
The association says it will continue discussions with government officials during the 21-day period.
However, if there is no satisfactory response by June 27, 2026, its National Executive Council will meet to decide the next step, including the possibility of a nationwide strike.
What This Means for Nigerians
If the dispute is not resolved, public hospitals across Nigeria could experience disruptions in medical services.
Healthcare experts say protecting doctors, improving their welfare and recruiting more medical personnel are critical steps needed to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system and prevent further loss of skilled professionals to other countries.
For now, attention is on whether the Federal Government will respond before the June 27, 2026 deadline and avoid another major crisis in the nation’s health sector.