The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to address unresolved welfare and professional issues affecting its members, warning that failure to act could lead to industrial action.
The ultimatum was contained in resolutions adopted at the association’s 46th Annual General Meeting (AGM), held in Calabar, Cross River State.
NARD National President, Dr Emmanuel Ogar, announced the resolutions at the meeting.
The resident doctors expressed concern over what they described as the slow implementation of agreements reached between the association and the Federal Government, saying prolonged delays had become unacceptable.
They called for urgent action on issues involving remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, excessive workloads, manpower shortages and the general welfare of resident doctors.
The association specifically demanded the immediate implementation of outstanding agreements on improved conditions of service and professional development.
NARD also called for the completion of the review of existing remuneration and professional salary structures for doctors, arguing that the current arrangements no longer adequately reflected prevailing economic conditions.
The association further demanded proper compensation for resident doctors who carry additional workloads because of shortages of medical personnel in hospitals.
It called for standardised guidelines for compensating doctors who perform duties beyond their normal responsibilities, as well as reliable data to support such payments.
NARD also raised concerns over attacks on doctors and other healthcare workers in hospitals. It urged the government to fully implement existing policies and anti-assault measures aimed at protecting medical personnel.
The association expressed concern over the continued migration of doctors and other healthcare professionals from Nigeria, noting that the trend had contributed to manpower shortages and increased the workload of those remaining in the country.
It therefore urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to urgently address the factors responsible for the continued departure of medical professionals from the country.
The resident doctors also called on state governments to prioritise the welfare of doctors and other health workers employed in their institutions and ensure the implementation of relevant welfare policies.
They demanded improved hospital infrastructure, adequate medical equipment and better working conditions to enhance patient safety and improve healthcare delivery.
NARD further urged the National Assembly to strengthen budgetary allocations to the health sector, stressing that adequate funding was necessary to address persistent challenges in healthcare delivery.
The association also demanded the immediate payment of outstanding salaries and other entitlements owed to house officers and called for their inclusion in appropriate welfare arrangements.
On the use of electronic clocking systems in hospitals, NARD said it was not opposed to the technology but insisted that it should be properly implemented and used primarily for accurate data management rather than as a punitive measure against 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 resolve the outstanding issues and prevent a breakdown of industrial harmony in the health sector.
According to the association, resolving the disputes would improve doctors’ welfare, reduce burnout and ultimately contribute to better healthcare services for Nigerians.
The AGM also produced 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 continue discussions with the government towards improving the working conditions of resident doctors.
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