Ayo Akinduko blames Resident Doctors’ strike on deep structural failures in Nigeria’s health sector

As the nationwide resident doctors’ strike, enters its 16th day, healthcare expert and public affairs analyst, Ayo Akinduko, says the ongoing industrial action by Resident Doctors reflects deep-rooted weaknesses in Nigeria’s health system.

Speaking on Issues in the Polity on Àdàbà 88.9 FM, he emphasized that the demands of the striking doctors are fundamental to ensuring quality healthcare delivery.

Akinduko explained that although the Federal Government claims to have met 19 of the 20 demands presented by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), the union maintains that the claims are inaccurate.

He noted that the real conflict lies not in the government’s acceptance of the demands but in the absence of clear timelines for implementation within a bureaucratic system still heavily dependent on manual, paper-based processes.

Responding to concerns that strikes have become the only effective tool to secure government attention, Akinduko said Nigerians must understand the systemic delays that often slow down decision-making and disbursement of funds.

He explained that approvals still move physically from desk to desk, making it difficult for officials to provide definite timelines.

However, he expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu’s expressed interest in resolving the crisis could speed up the process.

Commenting on the one-for-one replacement policy requested by NARD, Akinduko described it as a necessary response to the worsening manpower shortage caused by mass emigration of Nigerian medical professionals.

He warned that overstretching the remaining doctors increases the risk of fatal errors, stressing that maintaining adequate staffing levels is critical to patient safety.

Akinduko concluded by calling for increased funding, better monitoring of health sector allocations, and urgent upgrades of hospital infrastructure.

He stressed that Nigeria must embrace digital systems, invest in modern equipment, and create an enabling work environment to retain skilled health professionals and strengthen the nation’s healthcare system.