The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has reevaluated their request for a salary increase, originally proposed at 200%, to now seek a raise of 550%.
This adjustment aims to mitigate the adverse effects of the removal of fuel subsidies.
The doctors, in a resolution reached at the end of their virtual National Executive Council meeting, Wednesday night, expressed disappointment over government’s inability to review, upwardly, the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), in line with their letter to the Minister of Health, dated July 7, 2022.
In a communiqué, jointly signed by President, Dr. Emeka Orji; Secretary-General, Dr. Kelechi Chikezie, and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Umar Musa, the doctors said: “The parameters we used in arriving at demand for a minimum of 200 per cent increase in CONMESS has significantly changed, following removal of fuel subsidy and attendant massive increase in fuel price and general cost of living.
“Using current parameters, an upward review, to the tune of 550 per cent, is required. Our members now find it difficult to transport themselves to work and carry out other responsibilities required of them as medical doctors because of these factors.”
The doctors expressed disappointment that seven weeks have passed since the conclusion of their five-day warning strike, which aimed to emphasize their demands.
They noted that despite established timelines, the resolutions from a conciliatory meeting chaired by the former Minister of Labour and Employment have not been implemented.
However, the doctors have decided to extend the ultimatum given to the government by an additional two weeks, starting from Wednesday, July 5, 2023.
They emphasized that if all their demands are not met by the expiration of the ultimatum on July 19, 2023, industrial harmony in the health sector cannot be guaranteed.
Their demands include the immediate payment of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) as outlined in the 2023 budget, in accordance with previous agreements.
They called on the government to settle all outstanding arrears owed to their members, including hazard allowances, arrears from 2014-2016, and arrears related to the consequential adjustment of the minimum wage.
Additionally, they demanded the immediate release and implementation of guidelines for the one-for-one replacement of clinical staff to address the shortage of manpower in hospitals across the country.
