Nigerian doctors call off nationwide strike

ABUJA, June 23 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Nigerian doctors have ended a nationwide strike that was called to protest against low pay and inadequate protective equipment against the coronavirus pandemic.

The National Association of Resident Doctors (Nard), which represents some 40% of Nigeria’s doctors, said it called off the strike to give the government time to act on its demands.

The week-long strike ends on Monday morning, according to a statement quoted by local media. It had not affected medics treating coronavirus patients.

The association said some hospitals had since been supplied with protective gear and the government had promised to provide more.

It said the government had also promised to address their demand for better welfare for resident doctors.

The association said resident doctors who had been disengaged at Jos University Teaching Hospital had been reinstated and the chief medical director directed to pay their withheld salaries.