NARD Gives FG Two-Week Ultimatum Over Welfare, Professional Issues

The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to address outstanding welfare and professional issues affecting its members, warning that failure to act could lead to industrial action.

 

The ultimatum was contained in resolutions reached at the association’s 46th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Calabar.

 

The NARD National President, Dr Emmanuel Ogar, read the resolutions, which expressed concern over the slow implementation of agreements reached between the association and the Federal Government.

 

The resident doctors demanded immediate action on issues relating to remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, excessive workload, manpower shortages and the general welfare of members.

 

They called for the implementation of agreements reached with the Federal Government, particularly those concerning improved conditions of service and professional development.

 

NARD also urged the government to conclude the review of existing remuneration and professional salary structures for doctors, saying the current framework does not adequately reflect prevailing economic conditions.

 

The association demanded appropriate compensation for excess workload arising from manpower shortages in hospitals and called for standardised templates and reliable data to determine payments for doctors performing duties beyond their normal responsibilities.

 

The doctors further expressed concern over attacks on health workers and called for the full implementation of policies and anti-assault measures designed to protect medical personnel in hospitals.

 

NARD also raised concerns over the continued migration of doctors and other health professionals from Nigeria, saying the development had worsened manpower shortages and increased the workload on doctors who remain in the country.

 

It urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to address the factors responsible for the migration of medical professionals.

 

The association called on state governments to prioritise the welfare of doctors and other health workers employed by their institutions and ensure the implementation of relevant welfare policies.

 

It also demanded improved infrastructure, adequate medical equipment and better working conditions in health institutions to improve patient safety and healthcare delivery.

 

NARD urged the National Assembly to strengthen budgetary provisions for healthcare, stressing that adequate funding remained critical to addressing challenges in the sector.

 

The association further demanded the prompt payment of salaries and other entitlements owed to house officers and their inclusion in relevant welfare arrangements.

 

On electronic clocking systems in hospitals, NARD 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.

 

The association noted that 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.

 

According to the association, resolving the disputes would improve doctors’ welfare, reduce burnout and ultimately enhance the quality of healthcare available to Nigerians.

 

The AGM also saw the election of new national officers, with Dr Emmanuel Ogar emerging as president alongside other members of the National Executive Council.

 

NARD 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.