The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to address outstanding welfare and professional concerns 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 on Sunday in Calabar.
NARD National President, Dr Emmanuel Ogar, read the resolutions at the meeting.
The resident doctors expressed concern over what they described as the slow implementation of agreements reached with the Federal Government, saying the prolonged delays had become unacceptable.
They called for urgent action on outstanding issues concerning remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, excessive workload, manpower shortages and the general welfare of resident doctors.
The association also demanded the immediate implementation of agreements reached with the Federal Government, particularly those relating to improved conditions of service and professional development.
It urged the government to conclude the review of existing remuneration and professional salary structures for doctors, arguing that the current framework no longer adequately reflects prevailing economic realities.
NARD further demanded appropriate compensation for excessive workloads caused by manpower shortages in hospitals, noting that resident doctors were increasingly taking on additional responsibilities.
The association called for standardised compensation templates and reliable data to support payments to doctors performing duties beyond their normal responsibilities.
NARD also raised concerns over attacks on healthcare workers and called for the full implementation of policies and anti-assault measures aimed at protecting doctors and other medical personnel in hospitals.
The association expressed concern over the continued migration of doctors and other healthcare professionals from Nigeria, saying the trend had worsened manpower shortages and increased the workload of doctors who remain in the country.
NARD therefore urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to urgently address the factors driving the continued migration of medical professionals.
It also called on state governments to prioritise the welfare of doctors and other healthcare workers employed by their institutions and ensure relevant welfare policies are implemented.
The association demanded improved infrastructure, adequate medical equipment and better working conditions in healthcare facilities to promote patient safety and improve healthcare delivery.
It also urged the National Assembly to strengthen budgetary allocations for healthcare, stressing that adequate funding was essential to addressing challenges in the sector.
NARD demanded the prompt payment of salaries and other outstanding entitlements owed to house officers and called for their inclusion in relevant welfare arrangements.
On electronic clocking systems in hospitals, the association 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.
It noted that several agreements and commitments reached with the Federal Government remained unresolved despite repeated meetings and assurances.
The association consequently 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.
The resident doctors said resolving the disputes would improve their welfare, reduce burnout and ultimately enhance the quality of healthcare available to Nigerians.
NARD also elected new national officers, with Dr Emmanuel Ogar emerging as president alongside other members of the National Executive Council.
The association charged the new leadership with pursuing the implementation of the resolutions and maintaining engagement with the government towards securing improved conditions of service for resident doctors.