Nigeria: Doctors strike over lack of PPE and increased benefits from June 15

Event

On Monday, June 15, at 12:00 (local time), Nigerian doctors in public hospitals went on strike over demands for increased benefits and personal protective equipment (PPE) amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The doctors are also protesting the sacking of 26 residential doctors from the Jos University Teaching Hospital (Plateau State) that occurred in May. The strike, organized by the National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria (NARD), was announced following a 14-day ultimatum which the NARD gave the federal government to meet their demands. The River State Association of resident doctors at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital refused to join the strike due to a perceived negative impact.

Residential doctors working in isolation centers are exempt from the strike. 

Context

The National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria (NARD) represents approximately 40 percent of the doctors in Nigeria and claims that low salaries, a lack of basic health material in state hospitals, and increasing fuel costs have severely hindered their ability to provide adequate services.

Advice

Personnel in the country are advised that medical assistance may be unavailable during the aforementioned period. Travelers are advised to review their contingency plans in light of the industrial action and ensure that alternative medical provisions are in place during their time in country.