The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government of Nigeria to resolve outstanding welfare and professional issues affecting its members. This decision was made at the association's 46th Annual General Meeting in Calabar, Cross River State, where Dr. Emmanuel Idoko was elected as the new NARD president. The ultimatum is a warning that failure to address these issues could lead to industrial action.
Resident doctors in Nigeria are concerned about delays in implementing agreements reached with the government, particularly regarding remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, workload, and manpower shortages. These issues have been ongoing, and the doctors believe it is essential for the government to take immediate action. Dr. Idoko emphasized that the association expects the government to use the two-week window to address these issues and prevent a breakdown in industrial harmony in the health sector.
NARD demands the immediate implementation of previous agreements, particularly those related to improved conditions of service and professional development. The association also calls for the conclusion of the review of existing remuneration and salary structures for doctors, as the current framework no longer reflects prevailing economic realities. Furthermore, resident doctors are seeking compensation for handling workloads beyond their normal responsibilities due to manpower shortages in hospitals.
The association also raised concerns about attacks on healthcare workers and urged the government to fully implement existing policies and anti-assault measures to protect doctors and other medical personnel in hospitals. Additionally, NARD addressed the continued migration of doctors and other health professionals, which has aggravated manpower shortages and increased the workload of those remaining in the country. The association urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to address the factors driving this migration.
NARD also called on state governments to prioritize the welfare of doctors and other health workers employed by their institutions and implement relevant welfare policies. The association demanded improved infrastructure, adequate medical equipment, and better working conditions in health facilities, citing these as essential to patient safety and effective healthcare delivery. Moreover, NARD appealed to the National Assembly to strengthen budgetary allocations to the health sector, stressing that adequate funding is critical to addressing persistent challenges in healthcare.
The association demanded the prompt payment of outstanding salaries and other entitlements owed to house officers and their inclusion in relevant welfare arrangements. Regarding electronic clocking systems in hospitals, NARD stated that it does not oppose their deployment but insisted that they be properly implemented and used to improve attendance and data management, rather than as a punitive measure against medical personnel.
The doctors noted that several agreements and commitments reached with the Federal Government have remained unresolved despite repeated meetings and assurances. They therefore urged the government to utilize the two-week ultimatum to resolve the outstanding matters, warning that failure to do so could jeopardize industrial harmony in the health sector. Addressing these disputes, the association believes, would improve doctors' welfare, reduce burnout, and ultimately enhance the quality of healthcare available to Nigerians.
Key points
- Resident doctors in Nigeria have given the government a two-week ultimatum to address welfare and professional issues.
- The issues include delays in implementing agreements on remuneration, career progression, and manpower shortages.
- Failure to address these issues could lead to industrial action by the resident doctors.
