The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) in Nigeria has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address outstanding welfare and professional concerns affecting its members. This decision was made at the association's 46th Annual General Meeting held in Calabar, Cross River State. The doctors expressed frustration over prolonged delays in implementing agreements reached with the government, which have not resulted in the full resolution of several issues affecting their working conditions.
The concerns raised by the resident doctors cover a range of issues including remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, excessive workload, manpower shortages, and general welfare. NARD has called for the immediate implementation of agreements already reached with the government, particularly those dealing with improved conditions of service and professional development. The association also wants the Federal Government to conclude the review of existing remuneration and professional salary structures for doctors.
One of the major concerns raised by the doctors is the workload being carried by resident doctors due to manpower shortages in hospitals. NARD said shortages of medical personnel have left many doctors handling responsibilities beyond their normal duties. The association therefore demanded appropriate compensation for excess workload and called for the development of standardized templates that would guide such payments. They also requested reliable data to determine the workload being carried by doctors and provide a basis for appropriate compensation.
The issue of healthcare workers leaving Nigeria also featured prominently in the resolutions. NARD expressed concern over the continued migration of doctors and other medical professionals from the country, which has further reduced the number of available healthcare workers and increased pressure on doctors who remain in the system. The association urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to take urgent steps to address the factors contributing to the migration of medical professionals.
NARD also called on state governments to prioritize the welfare of doctors and other health workers employed by their respective institutions. Improved welfare at the state level, according to the association, would require proper implementation of existing policies as well as better working conditions. The association further demanded improved hospital infrastructure and adequate medical equipment, saying healthcare workers require a safer and better-equipped environment to effectively attend to patients and provide quality medical services.
The association also raised concerns over attacks on doctors and other healthcare workers in hospitals, calling for the full implementation of existing anti-assault policies and other measures designed to protect medical personnel while carrying out their duties. NARD urged relevant authorities to ensure that hospitals provide adequate security for healthcare workers and patients. Additionally, the association called on the National Assembly to strengthen budgetary provisions for the health sector.
The doctors also demanded the prompt payment of salaries and other outstanding entitlements owed to house officers, and called for house officers to be properly included in relevant welfare arrangements. The new leadership of NARD, with Dr. Emmanuel Ogar as the National President, is expected to pursue the resolutions reached at the AGM while continuing discussions with the Federal Government on the outstanding issues.
Key points
- Resident doctors in Nigeria have given the government a 2-week ultimatum to address their welfare concerns.
- The concerns raised by the doctors include remuneration, career progression, and manpower shortages.
- Failure to address the concerns could lead to industrial action by the resident doctors.
