The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to resolve 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 (AGM), held on Sunday in Calabar, Cross River State.
NARD National President, Dr Emmanuel Ogar, read the resolutions at the meeting, where the resident doctors expressed concern over what they described as the slow implementation of agreements reached with the Federal Government.
The association said prolonged delays in addressing the issues had become unacceptable and called for urgent action on remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, excessive workload, manpower shortages and the general welfare of resident doctors.
NARD demanded the immediate implementation of existing agreements with the Federal Government, particularly those relating to improved conditions of service and professional development.
The doctors also called for the conclusion of the review of existing remuneration and professional salary structures, arguing that the current framework no longer adequately reflects prevailing economic realities.
The association further demanded appropriate compensation for excessive workloads caused by manpower shortages in hospitals, noting that resident doctors were increasingly taking on additional responsibilities.
NARD called for standardised compensation templates and reliable data to support payments to doctors performing duties beyond their normal responsibilities.
The association 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.
NARD 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.
It therefore urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to urgently address the factors driving the continued migration of medical professionals.
The association also called on state governments to prioritise the welfare of doctors and other healthcare workers employed by their institutions and ensure that relevant welfare policies are implemented.
NARD demanded improved infrastructure, adequate medical equipment and better working conditions in healthcare facilities, stressing that these were necessary to promote patient safety and improve healthcare delivery.
It also urged the National Assembly to strengthen budgetary allocations for healthcare, saying adequate funding was essential to addressing persistent challenges in the sector.
The association 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, NARD 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.
The resident doctors noted that several agreements and commitments reached with the Federal Government remained unresolved despite repeated meetings and assurances.
NARD consequently urged the government to use the two-week window to resolve the outstanding issues and avert a breakdown of industrial harmony in the health sector.
The association said resolving the disputes would improve the welfare of resident doctors, 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 sustaining engagement with the Federal Government towards securing improved conditions of service for resident doctors.