The Secretary General, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, disclosed this in a Saturday statement, noting the decision followed extensive consultations among members nationwide, reflecting shared commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and collaboration efforts.

He explained the resolution was reached during an Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held virtually, where participants encouraged continued engagement with government to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes for doctors and patients.

According to the association, the planned action will commence at 12 a.m. Tuesday, involving members across federal, state, and private institutions, while maintaining openness to dialogue and timely resolution efforts ongoing.

The association emphasised the importance of reinstating the Professional Allowance Table, describing it as vital to enhancing welfare, boosting morale, and supporting retention of skilled medical professionals across the country nationwide.

It highlighted the need for prompt payment of promotion and salary arrears owed to resident doctors, expressing optimism that ongoing discussions would facilitate resolutions that benefitted practitioners and the healthcare system.

NARD further encouraged timely release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, noting that improved funding would enhance training opportunities, professional development, and overall capacity within Nigeria’s healthcare sector going forward.

The association reiterated the importance of settling outstanding allowance arrears, expressing confidence that collaborative efforts between stakeholders would ease financial pressures and reinforce commitment among resident doctors serving communities nationwide effectively.

Members were encouraged to remain united and focused, as leadership underscored that ongoing engagement aimed to secure fairness, strengthened working conditions, and promoted a more resilient and responsive healthcare system nationwide.

The association affirmed its commitment to sustained dialogue with authorities, expressing optimism that efforts would yield positive outcomes, while reinforcing its role in advancing the welfare and professional interests of members.

The Professional Allowance Table is designed to standardise doctors’ remuneration, ensuring consistency in payments and supporting improved administration across the national healthcare system framework.

Observers note that ongoing discussions between NARD and the federal government continued to provide opportunities for resolving welfare concerns, strengthening cooperation, and ensuring uninterrupted delivery of quality healthcare services nationwide effectively.

Source: NAN

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The post Resident doctors to begin nationwide strike Tuesday appeared first on Frontpageng.

A Bold Call-Out to Young Professionals: The Time to Plug In is Now

For too long, the narrative around diaspora professionals, especially doctors, has been tied to a future that begins at retirement. It’s a familiar dream: build your career abroad, retire with comfort, and finally “give back” to your homeland. But what if that impact isn’t meant to wait until your twilight years?

Across Nigeria, the need for skilled medical professionals is not a future concern it’s urgent, present, and deeply felt in every underserved community.

The allure of greener pastures has long drawn Nigerian medical professionals abroad, creating a significant “brain drain” that leaves our nation’s healthcare system yearning for expertise. While the contributions of diaspora doctors are undeniable, there’s a bold call to be made: Stop waiting for retirement to make an impact back home! The time for our younger, vibrant professionals to plug into Nigeria’s healthcare landscape is now, not later.

The narrative of doctors returning after decades of practice, while commendable, often means a wealth of current knowledge, energy, and innovative approaches are delayed. Imagine the transformative power if these highly skilled individuals, still at the peak of their careers, invested their expertise and passion into their homeland.

Inspiring Examples: The Pacesetters

Nigeria is fortunate to have pioneers demonstrating this immediate impact.

Dr. Julius Oni, a brilliant orthopedic surgeon based in the United States, made headlines recently not because he retired and returned to Nigeria, but because he didn’t wait. From Johns Hopkins in the US to establish DOC Medical Nigeria Despite a thriving career abroad, he began offering medical interventions in underserved communities across Nigeria years before retirement was even on his radar. His mobile surgical outreach has transformed lives and inspired a movement. His mission isn’t just about providing high-quality musculoskeletal care; it’s about training a new generation of surgeons through a joint replacement fellowship, empowering them to deliver world-class care right here. This is the kind of immediate, hands-on, and sustainable impact we need more of.

Come back not to settle but to serve, even in bits. Whether through brief medical missions, remote diagnosis programmes, or strategic mentorship, the tools are at your fingertips.

Similarly, Dr. Richard Okoye, founder of Save a Life Mission Hospital, embodies the spirit of direct intervention. His commitment to providing healthcare and educating the public on healthy living through his radio programme in Port Harcourt shows how a single dedicated individual can significantly uplift a community. It’s a powerful vision: if every local government in Nigeria could boast just one doctor with Dr. Okoye’s passion and commitment, the improvement in grassroots healthcare would be massive, stemming the tide of preventable ailments and saving countless lives.

The Role of Charities and Collaborative Initiatives

Fortunately, there are a growing number of organizations actively facilitating this bridge between the diaspora and Nigeria’s healthcare needs. Groups like the Nigeria Diaspora Doctors Association (NDDA) and the Nigerian Medical and Healthcare Professionals in Diaspora (NMHPD) are working to network, educate, and empower Nigerian doctors abroad to contribute. They are involved in professional development, scientific exchange, public health initiatives, and advocating for policies that integrate diaspora expertise. The VOOM Foundation is another commendable effort, bringing volunteer doctors, nurses, and support professionals to address healthcare system needs through education and training.

Beyond direct medical intervention, initiatives like Naija Aid, founded by Lanre Nehan-Babalola, are crucial. While not solely focused on doctors, her organization’s seminars on basic lifesaving techniques and CPR empower a wider populace with critical first aid skills. This type of preventative and foundational health education is equally vital and underscores the multi-faceted approach required.

How Stakeholders Can Further Advance

To truly harness the potential of diaspora doctors, a concerted effort from various stakeholders is crucial:

Government

Streamline Licensing and Integration: Reduce bureaucratic hurdles and expedite the process for diaspora doctors to practice in Nigeria, including recognition of foreign qualifications.

Incentivize Return and Retention: Offer competitive remuneration, improved working conditions, access to modern equipment, and opportunities for professional growth and leadership.

Invest in Infrastructure: Prioritize funding for well-equipped hospitals, laboratories, and reliable power supply, particularly in underserved areas.

Foster Partnerships: Actively engage with diaspora medical associations to identify needs and collaboratively develop sustainable healthcare programmes.

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Establish a Sovereign National Health Fund: Dedicated funding can stabilize and grow both public and private health institutions.

Medical Associations in Nigeria (e.g., NMA, NARD)

Collaborate and Mentorship: Create formal mentorship programs and exchange opportunities between local and diaspora doctors.

Advocate for Reforms: Continuously push for better working conditions, fair policies, and ethical recruitment practices that discourage brain drain.

Data Collection and Needs Assessment: Work with government to identify specific areas where diaspora expertise is most needed.

Philanthropic Organizations and NGOs

Fund Specific Projects: Channel resources towards initiatives that facilitate skill transfer, medical missions, and infrastructure development.

Support Local Training: Invest in scholarships and training programmes for Nigerian medical students and residents, potentially co-led by diaspora professionals.

Facilitate “Reverse Missions”: Enable Nigerian medical professionals to gain exposure in leading international institutions.

Private Sector

Invest in Healthcare Ventures: Develop and support private healthcare facilities that can attract and retain top talent, including diaspora doctors.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Direct CSR initiatives towards improving healthcare infrastructure and providing medical outreach.

The Diaspora Community Itself

Organize and Unify: Strengthen existing diaspora medical associations to speak with a collective, influential voice.

Proactive Engagement: Don’t wait to be invited; initiate proposals and actively seek opportunities for collaboration.

Beyond Financial Remittances: Focus on skill transfer, training, and building sustainable systems, not just one-off donations.

The “Japa” phenomenon is a complex challenge, but it also presents an unparalleled opportunity. Our diaspora doctors represent a vast reservoir of talent, experience, and dedication. By acting now, by boldly encouraging younger professionals to transcend the traditional retirement timeline, and by creating an enabling environment through strategic partnerships and robust policies, Nigeria cannot only reverse the brain drain but usher in a new era of healthcare excellence driven by its own best and brightest, both at home and abroad. The future of Nigerian healthcare is not a distant dream; it’s a present imperative that requires immediate action from all of us.

The Time Is Now

Diaspora doctors: Your impact doesn’t have to wait until you’re done with your career, it can become your career. Every surgery, every outreach, every life saved today echoes louder than promises made for “someday.” The nation needs you now. Plug in early. Plug in boldly. The future of Nigerian healthcare isn’t waiting and neither should you.

The notion that good intentions must wait until retirement is no longer valid in our interconnected world. With every skill set, network, and resource you’ve gained abroad, there are lives back home waiting to be touched today, not tomorrow.

So, to the young diaspora doctors reading this: don’t wait until the stethoscope starts to feel heavy in your 60s. Nigeria needs your fire, your expertise, and your innovation now. Come back not to settle but to serve, even in bits. Whether through brief medical missions, remote diagnosis programmes, or strategic mentorship, the tools are at your fingertips.

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The announcement of the strike is contained in a communique signed by Dr. Felix Archibong, chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Cross River branch, after an Emergency General Meeting, EGM, on Sunday in Calabar.

It would be recalled that on Thursday, July 13, Dr. Ekanem Ephraim, a medical practitioner with the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, UCTH, was kidnapped from her residence by armed men who pretended to be patients at about 7.30 p.m.

The doctors who noted that despite all their efforts in ensuring the release of their colleague, Ephraim has remained in captivity.

The association thereafter resolved “To embark on a total and indefinite withdrawal of medical services effective immediately in solidarity with our member still in the hands of her abductors.”

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The doctors said further: “This withdrawal of medical service will involve all hospitals in the state both federal, state, private and mission.

“The state government should activate all necessary instruments at its disposal to ensure the timely and unconditional release of our member in the hands of her abductors.”

They added that NMA in Cross River was not oblivious of the hardship its withdrawal of services would have on the citizens but appealed to the relevant security agencies to ensure a timely release of its abducted member.

This is not the first time the association would embark on a strike on account of the abduction of its member in Cross River.

Source: NAN

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Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment, gave the warning on Tuesday in Abuja, shortly after receiving a letter of notification from the NARD executive on the planned strike.

Ngige said this in a statement signed by Mr Olajide Oshundun, Director, Press and Public Relations in the  ministry while the planned strike as illegal.

The impending industrial action is billed to begin by midnight of May 16.

Ngige who was reacting to the letter, delivered to his office at about 5 p.m. same day, said he contacted the Minister of Health, who informed him that a meeting had been scheduled with the resident doctors on Wednesday.

He therefore advised the doctors to avail themselves of the  opportunity for social dialogue with their employer, rather than embark on warning strike, which is unknown to the law.

According to him, “I will advise them to attend the meeting with the Minister of Health tomorrow.  I will also advise them very strongly not to go on five-day warning strike.

“There is nothing like warning strike. A strike is a strike. If they want to take that risk, the options are there. It is their decision. They have the right to strike. You cannot deny them that right.

“But their employer has another right under Section 43 of the Trade Dispute Act, to withhold their pay for those five days. So, if the NARD has strike funds to pay their members for those five days, no problem.

“The Health Minister will instruct the teaching hospitals to employ adhoc people for those five days and they will use the money of the people who went on strike to pay the adhoc doctors.

“That is the ILO principles at decent work, especially for those rendering essential services. Lives should be protected. One of my sons is a resident doctor, I will advise him to go to work and sign the attendance register,” he said.

He added that the people seen at work are the ones to receive their pay.

“If you don’t work, there will be no pay,” he said.

On the five demands of the doctors, Ngige said the federal government lacked the powers to compel the states to domesticate the Medical Residency Training Fund, MRTF.

He added that health is in the residual list, where both the federal and state governments have the powers to legislate.

The minister also stated that the job of the federal government was to make policy and where the states disagree, they were at liberty to make their own policy.

He noted that the federal government could not bully the states into domesticating the MRTF if they did not want to.

Regarding the issue of immediate payment of the MRTF to their members, he said it was appropriated in the 2023 budget, but had not been released, as the 2022 budget was still running.

He added that those in 2022 had all been paid.

Ngige denied the claim by NARD that the federal government did not pay minimum wage consequential adjustment arrears to their members.

He added that, all workers in the Education and Health Sectors,  and even the defense agencies benefitted from the adjustment.

He noted that the doctors could not declare nationwide strike because some states were owing their members, pointing out that the federal government could not also dabble into the issue, being a state matter.

Ngige also said the federal government as the Executive arm of government could not intervene in the bill at the National Assembly to bond doctors for five years, as it was a private member’s bill.

According to him, any intervention by the executive on the matter impinges on the autonomy and independence of the legislative arm of government.

Ngige noted that the bill had passed through first and second reading, adding that he was sure it would be shot down at the public hearing, since the law prohibits forced labour.

He advised the doctors not to talk about 200 per cent pay rise, as it was not feasible.

“Besides all the government has done for doctors and other workers in the health sector, such as upward review of hazard allowances, the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) was already negotiating with the Federal Ministry of Health, National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission and the Presidential Committee on Salaries on pay rise for doctors.

“It is incongruous for  student doctors to embark on strike when consultants training them were already negotiating with the federal government,” he said.

Source: NAN

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The chairman of the association, Dr Saka Agboola, declared the strike at a news conference after an emergency congress on Monday in Ilorin.

Agboola said that the association had been patient enough for government to respond to the welfare of members of the association.

According to him, as much as it is painful for the executive of the association to reach such decision, the congress has unanimously agreed on a seven-day warning strike action.

He explained that the industrial action is to give room for engagement with the government on some of their agitations on good conditions of service, especially in the payment of new remuneration to the members of the union.

“We are not a pressure group, but it has gotten to a point that the well-being of doctors in Kwara has to be seriously looked into.

“We have responsibilities to our families, our neighbours and even to our patients.

“There is need to remunerate the doctors to get efficient output.

“This is the more reason why we have engaged several fora at every opportunity to resolve our demands.

“But it is unfortunate that at the expiration of the ultimatum given, we have not been able to reach a comfortable agreement,” he said.

Agboola reiterated that the one week strike would afford the government the opportunity to re-engage the association in negotiation.

Reacting to the development, Mr Sa’ad Aluko, the Director General of the Kwara State Hospital Management Bureau, said that government had been making efforts to resolve the demands of the doctors.

Aluko noted that it was only a question of time before their demands would be met.

He said that the state government had met with the leadership of the association to look at ways to reach a resolution.

According to him, the state government had already agreed to 70 per cent increase out of the 100 per cent that was being agitated by the association.

“Based on the total algorithm and internally generated revenue, everything has to be looked into.

“The state government has set up a committee to look at a balance between what is being requested for and what is on ground.

“Government is also confronted with various agitation from the Nigeria Labour but we must strike a balance,” he said.

Aluko, however, said that government had employed additional healthcare workers in the state hospitals.

Source: NAN

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He also urged others contemplating strikes to opt for settlement of issues by negotiation, no matter how long it takes.

The president made the appeal when he hosted members of Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, at the State House, Abuja, on Friday.

According to the president, the lives of citizens that can be lost or damaged when doctors withdraw services, are precious enough to be worth opting for peaceful resolution of differences.

Buhari said that all outstanding benefits owed medical doctors would be cleared after verifications, noting that embarking on industrial action at a critical health period for the country and citizens was not a good option.

He said: “Protecting our citizens is not to be left to government alone, but taken as a collective responsibility, in which especially medical professionals play a critical role.

“Let me speak directly to the striking doctors. Embarking on industrial action at this time when Nigerians need you most is not the best action to take, no matter the grievances.

“This Administration has a good track record of paying all debts owed to government workers, pensioners and contractors and we have even revisited debts left by past administrations, once due verification is done. Debts genuinely owed Health workers will be settled.

“I learnt that some of the 12 points demand in the ongoing strike were already addressed. Though the Review of a new Hazard Allowance has not been fully negotiated because of the sharp and deep division within the ranks of the striking doctors.’’

The president said the outstanding issue of an Establishment circular issued by the Head of Service, removing House officers, NYSC Doctors from scheme of service had an addendum circular from National Salaries and Wages Commission to clarify that they would continue to earn the wages attached to them on their present wage structure.

“I request that the agreement reached in the meetings of 20th and 21st August captured in the MOU which I have seen be religiously implemented,’’ he added.

Buhari revealed that budgetary allocations had been increased and a Health Sector Reform Committee, under the Chairmanship of the Vice President, had been inaugurated.

The committee will identify and address weaknesses in the Health System and align it with global best practices that raise public confidence.

“We are also supporting initiatives to expand health insurance coverage and bring more resources to health financing.

“We have many more challenges ahead and much more to do, for our large population.

“In this respect, it is important to remind you that, as senior medical personnel and representatives of one of the most respected professional groups in the world, your responsibility for the health and wellbeing of Nigerians are clear.

“It does not end only with the welfare of your members, but continues with a sense of responsibility for the entire country and its socio-political health and national stability,’’ he added.

He also noted that Nigeria’s source of revenue over many years was dwindling, with a rising population.

“The global economy has been seriously affected by the pandemic, and despite recent pleasing news of more than five per cent economic growth of Nigeria in the last quarter, we are still having fiscal challenges to deal with, like most other countries.

“The source of revenue that Nigeria has depended on for so long experienced global decline, our population is rising fast and the tension arising from both, is fuelling agitation among our youth.

“Organisations like the NMA could play a very useful moderating role in society,’’ he said.

The president commended the positive role the NMA had been playing, as the apex professional medical association in Nigeria, especially with regard to the ongoing industrial action.

“This is a befitting role for the NMA, as a mature organisation, led by responsible members with long experience. I am proud also to learn of various feats that have been achieved in our hospitals,’’ he said.

He cited such feats to include the separation of conjoined twins and also the valiant efforts of health personnel in handling the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said this had earned them recognition at home and abroad, congratulating the NMA for the recent appointment of one of their members as Assistant Director General of the World Health Organization.

“We again warmly congratulate Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu for his elevation.’’

In his remarks, the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, said the NMA had been playing a critical role in development of the health sector, particularly in tackling pandemics, participating in policy formulation and population health.

President of the NMA, Prof. Innocent Ujah, thanked the president for appointment of members into strategic positions in government, assent to the Medical Residency Act and immunization coverage.

Ujah said the association was concerned with the industrial action embarked on by doctors, and had been doing its best to alleviate the suffering of patients across the country, while appealing for an urgent resolution.

The NMA president thanked Buhari for takeoff grant for first Federal Universities of Health Sciences in Otukpo, Benue State;  Azare, Bauchi State and Ila Orangun, Osun State.

Ujah, however, suggested an appropriate funding module for the new institutions.

He assured the president of the continuous support of members of the association to improve health in the country.

Source: NAN

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Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige, stated this when he fielded questions from State House correspondents in Abuja.

He explained that affected doctors wrongly benefitted from Medical Residency Training Fund meant for particular category of doctors.

He said the names of the doctors were uncovered after a thorough scrutinisation of the 8000 names submitted by Chief Medical Directors of Federal Government health institutions for the training programme.

The minister, however, revealed that a substantial amount of the money had been refunded by some of the affected doctors while efforts had been intensified to recover the remaining balance.

He maintained that the delay in making the refund by the affected doctors was holding back the Residency Fund payment by the government.

“Ministry of Health has gotten the list of doctors who supposedly are to benefit from the Medical Residency Training Fund.

“Total submission of about 8000 names were gotten and the Ministry of Health is scrutinising them.

“We have done the first round of scrutinisation and they will now compare what they have with the Post-Graduate Medical College and the Chief Medical Directors who submitted the names.

“The Association of Resident Doctors, in each of the tertiary centres, worked with the CMDs to produce those names, but now that the names are being verified, we discovered that about 2000 names shouldn’t be there because they don’t have what is called Postgraduate Reference Numbers of National Postgraduate Medical College and (or) that of the West African Postgraduate Medical College.

“So, this is it and that is the only thing holding back the Residency Fund payment because it is there already for… incurred expenditure has been done by the Finance Minister and an it’s in the Accountant-General’s office.,” he said.

“So, once they verify they authenticity of those they are submitting, the Accountant-General will pay.

“We are doing that verification because we do not want what happened last time in 2020 to reoccur.

“In 2020, the submitted names didn’t come through the appropriate source, which is the Postgraduate Medical College and payment was affected and it was discovered that about 588 persons, who were not resident doctors benefitted from such money.

“They are now finding it difficult to make the full refund. But they have to refund that money. Some are refunding, but there is no full consideration of the account.

“That account has to be reconciled to enable the accountants pay the next round of funding for 2021,” he said.

On the ongoing strike by Resident Doctors, Ngige expressed the readiness of the federal government to withdraw the case it instituted against them, if they would go back to their duty post.

He, however, insisted that the ‘no work, no pay’ policy of the government would be observed because “it is a global practice which is also captured in Section 43 of the Trade Dispute Act under the International Labour Organization, ILO.”

Source: NAN

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The MoA was the second in a fortnight. The first one was signed on March 31, but was later rejected by the striking doctors.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige, said on Saturday in Abuja that the new MoA was signed after a conciliatory meeting between representatives of the federal government and those of NARD.

Ngige said Saturday’s meeting became necessary to amend the first MoA signed with the striking doctors.

He said that there were irregularities in the payment of salaries of House Officers, adding that while some got double payments, a few had not been paid.

“In view of this situation, a five-man committee was set up to harmonise the list of affected officers and they have 72 hours to produce a valid list.

“The list will be submitted to the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System through the Federal Ministry of Health,’’ Ngige said.

He said health institutions affected by the non-payment of salary shortfalls between 2014 and 2016 and arrears arising from the consequential adjustment on the National Minimum Wage, had been directed to forward their personnel strength.

“This is to enable us to accommodate this in the 2021 supplementary budget,’’ he said.

The minister noted that the issue of Hazard Allowance was not peculiar to members of NARD but that it cut across the entire health system.

He said that the Presidential Committee on Salaries, PCS, would meet with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission on April 12 to examine the Hazard Allowance issue.

The minister added that the NMA, the Joint Health Sector Unions, NARD and other stakeholders would meet on April 14, 2021 with the PCS with their position papers on the issue.

Ngige appealed to NARD to give the conciliation process a chance for industrial peace to prevail by calling off the strike.

NARD President, Dr Okhuaihesuyi Uyilawa, promised to present the latest agreement before members with a view to calling off the strike.

Resident doctors began a nationwide strike on April 1 to demand for improved welfare packages.

Source: NAN

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The spokesperson for the forum, Dr. Olubosede Omolayo, at a press conference on Tuesday in Akure, said that the strike had become imperative, following the payment of 50 per cent of members’ salaries by government in November 2020.

The forum consists of Association of Resident Doctors, UNIMED THC, Nigeria Association of General Medical Forum and Dental Practitioners as well as Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria.

She said that the decision to embark on the indefinite strike was taken after a meeting with members of the various associations.

Omolayo said it was unfortunate and insensitive for the state government to do such, despite owing four months’ salary, coupled with poor infrastructure in the hospitals and poor welfare packages for its members.

“After extensive deliberations, we have decided to withdraw our services at government hospitals. Many of our members have been infected with COVID-19; some have even died from the disease, while others got their family members infected and later died.

“We are over-stretched and we cannot continue working under this condition again. It’s even so bad that our COVID-19 allowances have not yet been paid,” she said.

Omolayo said letters had been sent to the governor and other relevant arms of government to explain the payment of 50 per cent salary to members, but with no response.

She said that the forum was not part of the organised labour that agreed to the 50 per cent salary payment with government, saying that it was a professional body and should be treated as such.

Omolayo, however, called on government to ensure payment of all outstanding arrears being owed its members, insisting that it was impossible for doctors to survive on half salaries.

Source: NAN

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Dr Badmus Habeeb, President of UITH chapter of Association of Resident Doctors, ARD, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Wednesday in Ilorin.

He said that members of the association were battling with the pandemic based on available resources.

“About 20 of our members have been infected with the virus in the past two to three weeks.

“I must reiterate that this is not the best of times for us, our families and the affected patients,” he said.

Habeeb, however, said that the discovery of COVID-19 vaccine had brought hope and relief to the people.

“There is a poor resource setting in the country, where basic necessities to make the roll out of the COVID-19 vaccines easy and possible, are not readily available.

“Som it therefore seems we may never be able to get the vaccine anytime soon.

“Based on available evidence COVID-19 vaccine is effective and there is no reason why Nigerians should not follow the guide of scientific evidence, especially with proper information,” he said.

He advised the government to provide necessary resources and incentives to health workers across the country to help curb its spread.

“The public should adhere strictly to COVID-19 protocols as announced by NCDC,” he said.

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