Resident Doctors Begin Nationwide Strike
The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has begun a nationwide seven-day warning strike to demand the release of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a registrar in the Department of Ophthalmology at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna, who has been held captive for over eight months.
The strike officially commenced at midnight on Monday, August 26, 2024, following a decision made during a virtual Emergency National Executive Council meeting held on Sunday, August 25, 2024.
Dr Dele Abdullahi, President of NARD, confirmed that the strike is in full effect, with all NARD centres across the country participating.
He emphasized that the strike would be total, with no emergency care provided during this period, highlighting the severity of the situation and the doctors’ resolve to secure the release of their colleague.
Dr. Popoola was abducted nearly eight months ago, along with her husband and nephew. While her husband was released in March, she and her nephew remain in captivity, despite ongoing efforts to secure their freedom.
In recent weeks, NARD members have protested at tertiary hospitals nationwide, demanding the immediate release of Dr Popoola.
The commencement of this warning strike marks an escalation in their efforts, reflecting growing frustration and concern over her prolonged captivity.
