National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has elected a new set of leaders.
Gatekeepers News reports that the National Association of Resident Doctors has elected and sworn in new members to take over the leadership of the union.
The association inaugurated Dr. Dare Ishaya as the new NARD President at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Scientific Conference of the doctors held at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi on Saturday, September 25, 2021.
New NARD President, Dr. Dare Ishaya
Furthermore, Dr. Edoga Chima and Dr. Buba Babangida were sworn in as the first and second Vice Presidents respectively, while Dr. Suleiman Isma’il emerged as the Secretary-General.
Members of the new leadership of NARD take the oath of office.
The AGM which was attended by 76 chapters of the association across the nation discussed issues affecting health care delivery and the welfare of members, especially those that led to the ongoing nationwide strike.
Following the critical appraisal of the performances of both Federal and state governments on the issues, the resident’s doctors unanimously resolved by vote to continue the total and indefinite strike action, until their minimum demands were met.
Members of NARD asked the Federal Government to ensure the payment of the Medical Residency Training within 72 hours, to restore normalcy to the health sector.
They also demanded the payment of the arrears of salaries of their colleagues on the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) platform within 72 hours while the process of migrating to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel information system (IPPIS) continues.
Other demands by NARD included the withdrawal of the court case against the association and payment of withheld August and September salaries.
A communique issued at the end of the meeting read, “The Federal Government should prevail on various state governments to urgently pay arrears of salaries and allowances owed our members in the state tertiary health institutions as stated above.
“The AGM also urges the Federal Government to consider the universal implementation of the MRTA in all training institutions in the country including those in the states. The AGM reiterated unequivocally, especially to the members of the public, and that we are committed to the smooth running of the health sector, but we can only do so when our welfare is given the desired attention.
“We, therefore, call on all well-meaning Nigerians to prevail on their government to set aside all technicalities as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari and resolve the aforementioned demands in the interest of the masses and our members who are currently suffering because of the ongoing strike action.”
