CROSS RIVER, Nigeria — 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 trigger industrial action across the country.
The ultimatum was contained in resolutions reached at NARD’s 46th Annual General Meeting (AGM), held at the weekend in Calabar, Cross River State.
The resident doctors expressed concern over what they described as the slow pace of implementing agreements reached with the Federal Government, saying repeated delays had become unacceptable.
NARD demanded urgent action on issues relating to remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, excessive workload, manpower shortages and the general welfare of resident doctors.
The association specifically called for the immediate implementation of agreements reached with the Federal Government on 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 doctors further demanded appropriate compensation for excess workload arising from manpower shortages in hospitals.
According to the association, resident doctors are increasingly being compelled to shoulder additional responsibilities because of inadequate manpower, while there is no uniform mechanism for compensating them for duties performed beyond their normal workload.
NARD consequently called for standardised templates for compensation for excess workload, backed by reliable data to justify payments to doctors performing additional duties.
The association also raised concerns over attacks on health workers, calling for the full implementation of policies and anti-assault measures designed to protect doctors and other medical personnel in hospitals.
It further expressed concern over the continued migration of doctors and other health professionals from Nigeria, warning that the development had worsened manpower shortages and increased the workload on those remaining in the country.
NARD urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to urgently address the factors driving the migration of medical professionals.
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.
On infrastructure, NARD demanded improved facilities, adequate medical equipment and better working conditions in health institutions to enhance patient safety and improve healthcare delivery.
It also urged the National Assembly to strengthen budgetary provisions for healthcare, stressing that adequate funding was critical to addressing the sector’s persistent challenges.
The resident doctors demanded the prompt payment of salaries and other entitlements owed to house officers and called for their inclusion in relevant welfare arrangements.
On the deployment of electronic clocking systems in hospitals, NARD said it was not opposed to the technology, provided it was properly implemented and used to support accurate data management rather than punish medical personnel.
The association said several agreements and commitments reached with the Federal Government remained unresolved despite repeated meetings and assurances.
It 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.
NARD said resolving the disputes would improve doctors’ welfare, reduce burnout and ultimately enhance the quality of healthcare available to Nigerians.
Meanwhile, the association elected new national officers at the AGM, with Dr Emmanuel Ogar emerging as president alongside other members of the National Executive Council.
NARD charged the new leadership to pursue the implementation of the resolutions and sustain engagement with the government towards securing improved conditions of service for resident doctors.
