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By Muinat Usman
The suspension of the seven-day industrial action by doctors in Kwara State has eased the immediate disruption to healthcare services, following government intervention and approval of some key demands by the striking doctors.
The Association of Resident Doctors, Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (ARD-KWASUTH), announced the suspension in a statement issued on Tuesday in Ilorin and signed by its President, Dr Abdulfatai Abdulazeez.
The industrial action was embarked upon under the Kwara Doctors Forum, comprising the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) and Nigerian Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP).
The doctors had embarked on the strike over concerns bordering on remuneration, allowances and deductions from their salaries, among other welfare issues.
Abdulazeez said the decision to suspend the action followed the state government’s approval of three major demands presented by the doctors.
These include the implementation and payment of the reviewed 2024 Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for doctors in the state.
The government also approved the payment of the 2025 Accoutrement Allowance to eligible doctors and the suspension of further deductions of Kwara State Health Insurance Authority (KWHIA) contributions from members’ salaries.
The development is expected to allow doctors to return to their duty posts and restore normal medical services, after the industrial action disrupted healthcare delivery across affected public health facilities.
However, the association cautioned that the suspension of the strike does not amount to a complete resolution of the dispute.
It said other outstanding demands remained under consideration and were still being discussed with the state government.
The association said, “The suspension of the strike should therefore not be interpreted as the complete resolution of all outstanding issues.”
The doctors consequently directed their members to resume normal duties and continue providing quality healthcare services to patients, while negotiations with the government continue.
The association appealed to its members to remain calm and united, while appreciating them for their understanding, solidarity and patience during the industrial action.
Abdulazeez reiterated the association’s commitment to constructive engagement and dialogue with the relevant authorities towards achieving a comprehensive resolution of the outstanding demands.
The latest development leaves the government and the doctors with the task of resolving the remaining issues to prevent a recurrence of industrial action that could further affect access to healthcare services in the state.
Editing: Abdullah Ahmed
