Resident Doctors Give FG Two-Week Ultimatum, Threatens Strike

The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to resolve outstanding welfare and professional issues affecting its members, warning that failure to do so could lead to industrial action.

The ultimatum was contained in resolutions adopted at the association’s 46th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Calabar, Cross River State.

The NARD National President, Dr Emmanuel Ogar, who read the resolutions, said the prolonged delay in implementing agreements reached between the association and the Federal Government had become unacceptable.

The doctors demanded urgent action on issues relating to remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, excessive workload, manpower shortages and the general welfare of resident doctors.

NARD called for the immediate implementation of existing agreements with the Federal Government, particularly those concerning improved conditions of service and professional development.

It 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 association further demanded appropriate compensation for excess workload arising from manpower shortages in hospitals.

According to NARD, resident doctors are increasingly shouldering responsibilities beyond their normal duties due to inadequate manpower, making it necessary to establish standardised templates for compensating excess workload.

It also called for reliable data to support payments to doctors performing additional duties.

On the safety of health workers, NARD expressed concern over attacks on medical personnel and demanded full implementation of existing policies and anti-assault measures designed to protect doctors and other healthcare workers in hospitals.

The association also raised concern over the continued migration of doctors and other health professionals from Nigeria, saying the trend had worsened manpower shortages and increased the workload on those remaining in the country.

It therefore urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to urgently address the factors responsible for the continued migration of medical professionals.

NARD called on state governments to prioritise the welfare of doctors and other health workers employed by their institutions and ensure the implementation of relevant welfare policies.

The doctors also demanded improved infrastructure, adequate medical equipment and better working conditions in health institutions to enhance patient safety and healthcare delivery.

The association urged the National Assembly to strengthen budgetary provisions for the health sector, stressing that adequate funding was critical to addressing persistent challenges in healthcare delivery.

It further demanded the prompt payment of salaries and other entitlements owed to house officers, as well as 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 association said several agreements and commitments reached with the Federal Government had remained unresolved despite repeated meetings and assurances.

It therefore urged the government to utilise the two-week window to address the outstanding issues and avert a breakdown of industrial harmony in the health sector.

NARD said resolving the disputes would improve doctors’ welfare, reduce burnout and ultimately enhance the quality of healthcare available to Nigerians.

The association also elected new national officers, with Dr Emmanuel Ogar emerging as president alongside other members of the National Executive Council.

It charged the new leadership to pursue the implementation of the resolutions and sustain engagement with the government towards achieving improved conditions of service for resident doctors.