Resident doctors give FG two-week ultimatum over unmet demands

The National Association of Resident Doctors has given the Federal Government two weeks to address outstanding welfare and professional demands or risk another nationwide strike.

The ultimatum was part of resolutions reached at NARD’s 46th Annual General Meeting held in Calabar, Cross River State.
Newly elected NARD National President Dr Ogar Emmanuel Idoko said doctors were increasingly concerned about delays in implementing agreements previously reached with the Federal Government. Telegraph

The association identified several unresolved issues, including remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, excessive workload, manpower shortages and the overall welfare of resident doctors.
NARD also wants existing agreements on conditions of service and professional development implemented without further delay. Punch Newspapers
The doctors argued that the current salary structure does not adequately reflect Nigeria’s economic conditions and called for a review.
They also want a standardised system for compensating doctors who carry additional workloads because of staff shortages.

NARD further demanded prompt payment of salaries and entitlements owed to house officers, enforcement of measures protecting healthcare workers from assault, better hospital infrastructure and equipment, and increased government funding for healthcare. Vanguard News
The association said persistent migration of Nigerian healthcare professionals abroad had worsened manpower shortages and increased the workload faced by doctors who remain in the country.
NARD warned that failure to address the outstanding matters within the two-week period could result in industrial action that would affect healthcare services nationwide. Van
The ultimatum does not mean resident doctors have started a nationwide strike. The association has given the government a deadline to resolve the issues before deciding on further industrial action.