Patients stranded across Nigeria, as resident doctors indefinite strike continues

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) commenced an indefinite strike on Friday, halting medical services in hospitals nationwide, leaving millions of patients stranded across the country.

Following the expiration of a 30-day ultimatum to the federal government, NARD’s president, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, announced the strike was unavoidable due to unmet demands despite multiple negotiations.
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The doctors are striking due to their unpaid salary arrears, poor working conditions, staff shortages, heavy workloads, and lack of essential medical infrastructure, which they said are critical issues debilitating healthcare delivery.
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On Sunday, according to reports, most hospitals were nearly deserted, with nurses managing minimal emergency care. At Kubwa General Hospital in Abuja, vital units including Accident and Emergency ran below capacity, leaving patients to wait hours without attention.
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Similar event unfolded in Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, where many patients were discharged before the strike began, leaving both patients and families stranded and frustrated.
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At the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, only a few doctors remained on duty, which were not sufficient enough to handle the numbers of patients waiting for medical attention, which made many patients resorted to private clinics.
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As the strike persists, healthcare services remain critically affected, escalating patient risks and public concern.
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Meanwhile, the government responded by announcing plans to release ₦11.9 billion within 72 hours to settle part of the doctors’ salary arrears. This follows earlier disbursements totaling over ₦31 billion, including payments for the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund.
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