The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to resolve outstanding welfare and professional issues or face the possibility of another nationwide strike.
The ultimatum was contained in resolutions adopted at the association’s 46th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Calabar, Cross River State, on Sunday.
NARD said several agreements reached with the Federal Government remained unresolved despite repeated meetings and assurances, leaving issues around remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, manpower shortages and working conditions unresolved.
The association urged the government to use the two-week window to address the outstanding demands and prevent another disruption to healthcare services across the country.
Dr Emmanuel Ogar, NARD National President, who presented the resolutions, said delays in implementing agreements reached between resident doctors and the government had become unacceptable.
The association called for the immediate review and implementation of existing remuneration and professional salary structures, arguing that current compensation no longer adequately reflects prevailing economic conditions.
It also demanded compensation for doctors handling additional responsibilities because of staff shortages.
NARD called for standardised templates to determine payments for excess workloads, alongside reliable data for calculating compensation for doctors working beyond their normal responsibilities.
The doctors also raised concerns over attacks on healthcare workers and called for full implementation of measures designed to protect doctors and other medical personnel in hospitals.
NARD identified the continued migration of Nigerian doctors and other healthcare professionals as another major pressure on the health system.
According to the association, the departure of medical professionals has worsened manpower shortages and increased workloads for doctors who remain in the country.
It called on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to address the factors driving the migration of healthcare professionals.
State governments were also urged to improve the welfare of doctors employed by their institutions and implement relevant policies covering healthcare workers.
NARD further demanded better hospital infrastructure, adequate medical equipment and improved working conditions, saying these were necessary to strengthen patient safety and healthcare delivery.
The association also called on the National Assembly to increase budgetary allocations to healthcare to address infrastructure and manpower gaps.
