UCH did not discharge patients over NARD strike, ARD President

The University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, did not discharge patients on admission over the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD)’s proposed strike on Jan. 12, the ARD President, Dr Uthman Adedeji, said.

NARD had threatened to resume its suspended strike on Jan. 12, over alleged failure of the federal government to meet its demands on welfare of its members.

Among the demands by the association included welfare, promotion, allowance, and issues of working condition, among others.

Our correspondent reports that the intervention of the Vice President, Kashim Shettima led to the latest suspension of the proposed strike by NARD for two weeks.

A visit to the hospital on Monday by a NAN correspondent showed that doctors were at their duty posts attending to patients.

In an interview with our correspondent, Adedeji said that patients on admission were not discharged as the strike had not commenced at the hospital.

He said that the interventions of Vice President Shettima led to resolutions on key issues.

According to him, NARD suspended its Nov. 2, 2025, strike on Nov. 29, 2025, giving the government 30-day ultimatum to meet MoU commitments on welfare and healthcare infrastructure.

Adedeji added that NARD suspended the planned strike again, opting for dialogue to secure better working conditions, salaries and healthcare funding.

“Doctors nationwide have returned to work, reposing confidence in the leadership of Dr Mohammed Sulaiman and the NOC.

“NARD reiterates its appeal to Nigerians and stakeholders to support the implementation of the MoU.

“The association appreciates the intervention of the Vice President, which led to the suspension of the planned industrial action,” he said.

Adedeji urged the doctors to remain committed and trust the process, while encouraging patients to amplify their support for the doctors’ legitimate demands for improved healthcare services.

“NARD is hopeful the MoU issues will be resolved by January 25, 2026, when progress is reviewed at the National Executive Council.

“We remain committed to better healthcare for Nigerians and urge government to keep its commitments,” Adedeji said.