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The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to resolve outstanding welfare and professional issues affecting its members or face possible industrial action.
NARD issued the ultimatum on Sunday at its 46th annual general meeting in Calabar, Cross River State, where it expressed concern over the slow implementation of agreements reached with the Federal Government.
The association said prolonged delays in addressing the issues had become unacceptable, demanding urgent action on remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, excessive workload, manpower shortages and the general welfare of resident doctors.
In resolutions read by NARD National President, Ogar Emmanuel Idoko, the doctors demanded “the immediate implementation of agreements reached with the federal government, particularly those relating to improved conditions of service and professional development”.
The association said the Federal Government had concluded a review of existing remuneration and professional salary structures for doctors, noting that the current framework no longer adequately reflected prevailing economic realities.
NARD also demanded appropriate compensation for resident doctors working beyond their normal responsibilities because of manpower shortages in hospitals.
It called for standardised templates for compensating doctors for excess workload, as well as reliable data to justify payments to those performing additional duties.
The doctors also raised concern over attacks on health workers, urging the government to fully implement existing policies and anti-assault measures designed to protect medical personnel in hospitals.
NARD further expressed concern over the continued migration of doctors and other health professionals from Nigeria.
It urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to urgently address the factors driving the exodus of medical professionals from the country.
The association also called on state governments to prioritise the welfare of doctors and other health workers in their institutions and ensure the implementation of relevant welfare policies.
With the two-week deadline now running, NARD’s demands place renewed pressure on the Federal Government to address the outstanding issues before the association considers industrial action.
