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, warning that failure to act could lead to industrial action.
The ultimatum is contained in resolutions reached at the association’s 46th Annual General Meeting held in Calabar, where resident doctors raised concerns over delays in implementing agreements reached with the government.
The NARD National President, Dr Emmanuel Ogar, read the resolutions at the meeting, saying the slow pace of implementing previously agreed measures had become unacceptable and called for immediate action on issues relating to remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, excessive workload, manpower shortages and the general welfare of resident doctors.
NARD called for the immediate implementation of agreements reached with the Federal Government, particularly those relating to improved conditions of service and professional development.
It also urged the government to conclude the review of existing remuneration and professional salary structures for doctors, arguing that the current framework no longer adequately reflects prevailing economic realities.
The association demanded appropriate compensation for excess workload resulting from manpower shortages in hospitals, noting that resident doctors were increasingly taking on additional responsibilities.
It called for standardised templates for compensating doctors for excess workload, as well as reliable data to support payments to medical personnel performing duties beyond their normal responsibilities.
NARD also expressed concern over attacks on health workers and called for the full implementation of policies and anti-assault measures designed to protect doctors and other medical personnel in hospitals.
The association further raised concerns over the continued migration of doctors and other health professionals from Nigeria, saying the trend had worsened manpower shortages and increased the workload of doctors who remained in the country.
It urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to urgently address the factors driving the continued migration of medical professionals.
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NARD also called on state governments to prioritise the welfare of doctors and other health workers employed by their respective institutions and ensure the implementation of relevant welfare policies.
The association demanded improved infrastructure, adequate medical equipment and better working conditions in health institutions to enhance patient safety and healthcare delivery.
It also urged the National Assembly to strengthen budgetary provisions for healthcare, stressing that adequate funding was critical to addressing challenges in the sector.
NARD demanded the prompt payment of salaries and other entitlements owed to house officers and called for their inclusion in relevant welfare arrangements.
On electronic clocking systems in hospitals, the association said it was not opposed to their deployment, provided they were properly implemented and used to support accurate data management rather than punish medical personnel.
It noted that several agreements and commitments reached with the Federal Government remained unresolved despite repeated meetings and assurances.
NARD therefore urged the government to use the two-week window to address the outstanding issues and avert a breakdown of industrial harmony in the health sector.
The association said resolving the disputes would improve the welfare of resident doctors, reduce burnout and ultimately enhance the quality of healthcare available to Nigerians.
NARD also elected new national officers, with Ogar emerging as president alongside other members of the National Executive Council.
The association urged the new leadership to pursue the implementation of the resolutions and sustain engagement with the government towards improving conditions of service for resident doctors.
NAN
