By Stephen Simon
The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to resolve outstanding welfare and professional issues affecting its members or face possible nationwide industrial action.
The ultimatum, which takes effect from October 1, was contained in resolutions adopted at NARD’s 46th Annual General Meeting in Calabar, Cross River State. The association’s newly elected President, Dr Ogar Emmanuel Idoko, said prolonged delays in implementing agreements reached with the government had become unacceptable despite repeated meetings and assurances.
The doctors demanded urgent action on remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, excessive workload, manpower shortages and general welfare. They also called for implementation of the reviewed remuneration and professional salary structures, arguing that the existing framework no longer adequately reflected prevailing economic realities. NARD further demanded a standardised system for compensating doctors carrying additional workloads because of staff shortages.
The association also raised concerns over the continued migration of Nigerian doctors and other health professionals, saying the exodus had worsened manpower shortages and increased the burden on those remaining in the country. It urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to address factors driving the migration while calling on state governments to improve the welfare of doctors employed by their institutions.
NARD further demanded improved hospital infrastructure and medical equipment, stronger protection for healthcare workers against assaults and increased budgetary allocation to the health sector. It said better working conditions were necessary to improve patient safety and healthcare delivery, particularly in the face of shortages that have placed additional responsibilities on resident doctors.
The latest ultimatum comes after a series of disputes between NARD and the Federal Government over salaries, allowances, medical residency training funding and implementation of previous agreements. In April, the association suspended a planned nationwide strike after receiving fresh government commitments, while an earlier industrial dispute had also been resolved following negotiations. NARD’s latest position indicates that several issues remain outstanding.
NARD warned that failure to address the demands within the 14-day window could result in further industrial action and disrupt healthcare services across the country. The association nevertheless called for urgent engagement with the government to resolve the outstanding matters and sustain industrial harmony in the health sector.
