Shortly after the Labour Ministry announced a possible breakthrough in the ongoing negotiations, the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) promptly refuted the government’s claims. The doctors’ union insists that conditions within hospital wards remain unchanged, affirming that their strike is still ongoing and dismissing any premature announcements of a resolution.
This conflicting narrative deepens the uncertainty plaguing public healthcare institutions, where services have already been significantly reduced due to the prolonged dispute. While government representatives highlight progress in dialogue, NARD stresses that any agreement must be concrete and verifiable before doctors can return to full clinical duties. This development signals a new, difficult chapter in the ongoing conflict centered on salary disputes, workplace conditions, and demands for greater transparency.
NARD disputes the Labour Ministry’s assertions, emphasizing the ongoing strike’s detrimental effects on healthcare delivery and residency training. The core issues include unpaid arrears, hazard pay, and inadequate staffing, with calls for independent mediation, clear deadlines, and secured funding.
NARD firmly rejects the Labour Ministry’s optimistic statements, pointing out that critical challenges such as unpaid salaries, hazard allowances, and insufficient manpower remain unresolved. The ongoing strike continues to disrupt patient care and stall the professional development of resident doctors, severely impacting essential medical services. To break the impasse, NARD advocates for the involvement of impartial mediators and the establishment of clear, verifiable timelines to ensure transparent and accountable negotiations. Additionally, the association highlights the urgent need for dedicated financial allocations to sustain uninterrupted healthcare delivery. The following key proposals aim to secure a durable solution:
- Implementation of transparent, enforceable schedules for clearing arrears and hazard payments
- Engagement of neutral third-party mediators to oversee negotiations and ensure compliance
- Enforcement of minimum staffing levels to maintain essential healthcare services during strikes
- Establishment of specific budget lines earmarked for healthcare workers’ benefits and hazard compensation
| Issue | Current Status | NARD’s Suggested Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Unpaid Salaries | Amounts remain outstanding and disputed | Set confirmed deadlines with partial immediate payments |
| Hazard Allowances | Payments delayed or denied | Creation of a dedicated fund for prompt disbursement |
| Staffing Levels | Severely inadequate, leading to burnout | Mandatory minimum coverage during industrial actions |
| Residency Training | Interrupted, hindering skill acquisition | Implementation of catch-up training post-strike |
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