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Resident Doctors Give FG 2-Week Ultimatum To Meet Demands
NARD gives the Federal Government 14 days to resolve outstanding welfare, salary, workload and professional issues or face possible industrial action.
The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to address outstanding welfare and professional issues affecting its members, warning that failure to act could trigger industrial action.
The ultimatum was contained in resolutions adopted at NARD’s 46th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Calabar, Cross River State.
The resolutions were read by the association’s newly elected National President, Dr Ogar Emmanuel Idoko.
NARD expressed concern over what it described as the slow implementation of agreements reached with the Federal Government, saying prolonged delays had become unacceptable.
The resident doctors demanded urgent action on issues including remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, excessive workload, manpower shortages and the general welfare of doctors.
The association called for the immediate implementation of existing agreements with the Federal Government, particularly those relating to improved conditions of service and professional development.
NARD also called for the completion of the review of doctors’ remuneration and salary structures, saying the existing framework did not adequately reflect prevailing economic realities.
The association further demanded appropriate compensation for resident doctors carrying excess workloads as a result of manpower shortages in hospitals. It called for standardised templates and reliable data to determine compensation for doctors performing duties beyond their normal responsibilities.
In addition, NARD raised concerns over outstanding professional allowance arrears and arrears arising from the 25/35 per cent upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS). Reports indicate that the association cited 19 months of unpaid professional allowances.
The doctors also expressed concern over attacks on healthcare workers and called for the effective implementation of policies designed to protect medical personnel from assaults in hospitals.
NARD further raised concerns about the continued migration of doctors and other healthcare professionals from Nigeria, saying the trend had worsened manpower shortages and increased the workload of doctors who remain in the country.
The association urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to address the factors contributing to the continued migration of medical professionals.
It also called on state governments to prioritise the welfare of doctors and other healthcare workers employed by their institutions and to implement relevant welfare policies.
NARD demanded improved infrastructure, adequate medical equipment and better working conditions in healthcare facilities, saying these measures were necessary to improve patient safety and healthcare delivery.
The association also urged the National Assembly to strengthen budgetary provisions for healthcare, stressing that adequate funding was essential to addressing persistent challenges in the sector.
It demanded the prompt payment of salaries and other entitlements owed to house officers and their inclusion in relevant welfare arrangements.
On electronic clocking systems in hospitals, NARD said it was not opposed to the use of the technology, provided it was primarily deployed for accurate data management rather than as a punitive measure against medical personnel.
The association said several agreements and commitments reached with the Federal Government remained unresolved despite repeated meetings and assurances.
NARD urged the government to use the 14-day window, which takes effect from October 1, to address the outstanding issues and avert a disruption of healthcare services.
The resident doctors said resolving the disputes would improve their welfare, reduce burnout and contribute to improved healthcare delivery for Nigerians.
NARD also elected new national officers at the meeting, with Dr Ogar Emmanuel Idoko emerging as National President alongside other members of the National Executive Council.