The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Abuja chapter, has announced they would be embarking on an indefinite strike beginning from today March 17th 2020, amidst the Coronavirus pandemic. This decision was announced about an hour after the third case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Nigeria's commercial capital city Lagos.
ARD President, Roland Aigbovo. says the industrial action became necessary after the FCT administration refused to pay her basic salaries for more than two months. Members have been thrown into financial distress due to the non- payment of their salaries and despite repeated warnings and ultimatum, nothing has been done by the authorities stated Aigbovo.
Aigbovo said there has been salary irregularities and shortfalls since the migration to the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System by the FCTA. The doctors revealed they deliberated extensively on the health threat posed by the coronavirus scare, their work condition, and patient care before arriving at the "difficult decision'
The union leader added that other health workers who are also affected by the salary shortfalls will join the mass action within 48hours if their demand "which are same with ours, are not met".
