CMDs Appeal to JOHESU, NARD to Resolve Disputes as Hospital Strikes Persist

CMDs Appeal to JOHESU, NARD to Resolve Disputes as Hospital Strikes Persist

The Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals (CCMDFTH) has appealed to health sector unions to prioritise dialogue, industrial harmony and collaboration to avert further disruption of healthcare services and protect patients across Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, and signed by the committee’s Chairman, Prof. Saad Ahmed, Secretary, Dr Pokop Bupwatda, and Public Relations Officer, Dr Philip Ugbodaga, the committee expressed grave concern over the ongoing strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the planned resumption of industrial action by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on January 12.

The committee recalled that at its 112th Regular Meeting and Annual General Meeting in December 2025, it had urged all stakeholders to resolve lingering disputes to prevent prolonged strikes, warning that extended work stoppages were worsening Nigeria’s already fragile healthcare crisis.

“Given the continued JOHESU strike and the imminent NARD action, we appeal to the leadership and members of both unions to reconsider their positions and re-engage in constructive dialogue as the most sustainable path forward,” the statement said.

READ ALSO:

• Money Laundering Trial: Court Admits Ex-AGF Malami, Family to N1.5bn Bail
• NYSC DG Warns Institutions Against Manipulating Mobilisation Records, Threatens Sanctions
• Bandits Strike Oyo National Park, Kill Four Officers in Late-Night Attack

While acknowledging the legitimate welfare concerns and contributions of health workers, the committee described JOHESU and NARD as indispensable partners who continue to sustain healthcare delivery under difficult conditions, calling for restraint, understanding and renewed engagement.

The CCMDFTH warned that prolonged disruptions in federal tertiary hospitals impose severe hardship on patients, especially the critically ill, noting that delays in treatment could result in irreversible consequences and loss of lives.

The committee reaffirmed its commitment to minimising service disruptions within its statutory powers but cautioned that no contingency arrangement could fully replace the collective expertise, experience and presence of health workers across federal health institutions.

It therefore urged JOHESU to suspend its ongoing strike and called on NARD to reconsider its planned resumption of industrial action, stressing the need to prioritise mutual trust, good-faith negotiations and prompt resolution of outstanding issues.

The committee further pledged its readiness to support all sincere efforts aimed at fostering industrial peace, strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system, protecting lives and preserving professional solidarity.

JOHESU has been on an indefinite strike since November 15, 2025, severely disrupting medical services in federal hospitals nationwide. Meanwhile, NARD, which suspended its earlier strike in November 2025, has announced plans to resume action from January 12 over unresolved issues bordering on welfare, allowances, promotions and working conditions.

CMDs Appeal to JOHESU, NARD to Resolve Disputes as Hospital Strikes Persist