National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government a 14-day deadline to address outstanding issues affecting its members, warning that failure to act could lead to industrial action.
Gatekeepers News reports that the ultimatum was contained in resolutions reached at NARD’s 46th Annual General Meeting held in Calabar, Cross River State. The resolutions were read by the association’s national president, Ogar Emmanuel Idoko.
The doctors expressed concern over what they described as delays in implementing agreements reached with the Federal Government, saying the prolonged delays had become unacceptable.
NARD demanded action on remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, excessive workload, manpower shortages and the general welfare of resident doctors.
The association also called for the implementation of agreements on improved conditions of service and professional development, as well as the conclusion of the review of existing remuneration and professional salary structures for doctors.
NARD said the current salary structure no longer adequately reflects prevailing economic realities and called for appropriate compensation for resident doctors who take on additional duties because of shortages of medical personnel.
It also demanded standardised templates for determining compensation for excess workload and reliable data to support payments to doctors performing duties beyond their normal responsibilities.
The association raised concerns about attacks on health workers and called for the full implementation of policies designed to protect doctors and other medical personnel in hospitals.
NARD also expressed concern over the continued migration of doctors and other health professionals from Nigeria, saying the development was worsening manpower shortages and increasing the workload of those remaining in the country.
The association urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to address the factors contributing to the migration of medical professionals.
It further called on state governments to prioritise the welfare of doctors and other health workers employed by their institutions and implement relevant welfare policies.
NARD said the government has two weeks to address the outstanding issues, with failure to do so potentially leading to industrial action.
