The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to address outstanding welfare and professional issues 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 held in Calabar on Sunday.
NARD National President, Dr Ogar Emmanuel Idoko, read the resolutions at the meeting.
The resident doctors expressed concern over what they described as the slow pace of implementing agreements reached between the association and the Federal Government, saying prolonged delays had become unacceptable.
They called for urgent action on issues relating to remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, excessive workload, manpower shortages and the general welfare of resident doctors.
The association demanded the immediate implementation of existing agreements with the Federal Government, particularly those concerning improved conditions of service and professional development.
NARD also urged the government to conclude the review of existing remuneration and professional salary structures for doctors, arguing that the current framework no longer adequately reflected prevailing economic realities.
The doctors further demanded appropriate compensation for excess workload resulting from manpower shortages in hospitals.
According to the association, resident doctors are increasingly taking on additional responsibilities because of inadequate staffing levels.
NARD called for standardised templates for compensating doctors for excess workload, as well as reliable data to support payments to medical personnel performing duties beyond their normal responsibilities.
The association also raised concerns over attacks on health workers and called for the full implementation of policies and anti-assault measures aimed at protecting doctors and other medical personnel in hospitals.
It further expressed concern over the continued migration of doctors and other health professionals from Nigeria, saying the development had worsened manpower shortages and increased the workload of those remaining in the country.
NARD therefore urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to urgently address the factors contributing to the continued migration of medical professionals.
The association said failure by the government to address the outstanding issues within the two-week period could result in further industrial action.
