The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has handed the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to address outstanding welfare and professional demands, warning that failure to do so could lead to a strike.
The ultimatum was contained in the resolutions of the association’s 46th Annual General Meeting (AGM), held in Calabar on Sunday. NARD National President, Dr Emmanuel Ogar, read out the resolutions.
The doctors said the slow pace of implementing agreements reached with the Federal Government was no longer acceptable. They demanded immediate action on remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, excessive workload, manpower shortages and the general welfare of members.
Pay and workload
NARD urged the government to fully implement existing agreements, particularly those on improved conditions of service and professional development. It also called for the conclusion of the review of doctors’ remuneration and professional salary structure, arguing that the current framework no longer reflects present economic realities.
The association demanded compensation for excess workload caused by manpower shortages in hospitals, noting that resident doctors are increasingly shouldering extra responsibilities. It called for standardised templates for such payments, backed by reliable data to justify them.
Security, migration and funding
The doctors also raised alarm over attacks on health workers and called for full implementation of anti-assault policies to protect medical personnel in hospitals.
They further expressed concern over the continued emigration of Nigerian doctors and other health professionals, which they said has deepened manpower shortages and increased the burden on those who remain. NARD urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to urgently tackle the factors driving the exodus.
State governments were asked to prioritise the welfare of doctors and health workers in their institutions, while the National Assembly was urged to increase budgetary allocations to healthcare.
NARD also demanded improved infrastructure, adequate medical equipment and better working conditions to enhance patient safety and healthcare delivery.
House officers and electronic clocking
The association called for prompt payment of salaries and entitlements owed to house officers and their inclusion in relevant welfare arrangements.
On electronic clocking in hospitals, NARD said it does not oppose the system, provided it is properly implemented and used for accurate data management, not to punish medical personnel.
Window to avert strike
The association noted that several agreements and commitments remain unresolved despite repeated meetings and assurances. It urged the government to use the two-week window to address the issues and avert a breakdown of industrial harmony in the health sector.
According to the doctors, resolving the disputes would improve their welfare, reduce burnout and ultimately raise the quality of healthcare available to Nigerians.
At the AGM, NARD also elected new national officers, with Dr Ogar emerging as president alongside other members of the National Executive Council. The association urged the new leadership to pursue implementation of the resolutions and sustain engagement with the government to secure better conditions of service for resident doctors.
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