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Nationwide Doctor's Strike Paralyzes Hospitals as NARD Demands Release of Kidnapped Kaduna Doctor

 


The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) initiated a seven-day warning strike on Monday to demand the immediate rescue of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a Kaduna-based doctor who has been held captive by kidnappers for nearly eight months. 

The strike, which affected hospitals nationwide, left countless patients stranded and healthcare services severely disrupted.

In Abuja, patients at the Federal Medical Centre and the National Hospital experienced significant delays, with many expressing frustration and distress over missed appointments and prolonged waiting times. 

Sarah Adamu, a diabetic patient, lamented the uncertainty surrounding her long-awaited appointment, while Mrs. Aisha Abdul, a retired civil servant, worried about the impact of the strike on her urgent medical needs.

Despite the disruption, consultants, house officers, and other healthcare workers were left to manage patient care in the absence of resident doctors. 

Dr. Tayo Haastrup, spokesperson for the National Hospital, assured the public that the hospital remained open, though he acknowledged the delays.

NARD President, Dr. Dele Abdullahi, revealed that the association had met with the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who promised to escalate the issue to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. 

However, the doctors remain firm in their decision to strike until Dr. Popoola is safely returned.

The strike also affected hospitals in other states, including the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto and the University of Benin Teaching Hospital in Edo State, where patients were turned away due to the absence of resident doctors.

NARD defended their decision to strike, emphasizing the need to protect the safety and well-being of healthcare workers. "An injury to one is an injury to all," Dr. Abdullahi stated, underscoring the solidarity among doctors in their demand for the immediate rescue of their colleague. 

The association reiterated that they are ready to return to work once Dr. Popoola is freed, but until then, the strike will continue.

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