The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued the Federal Government a two-week deadline to resolve several outstanding welfare and professional concerns affecting its members.
The association warned that failure to address the issues within the stipulated period could lead to industrial action.
The ultimatum formed part of resolutions adopted at NARD’s 46th Annual General Meeting held on Sunday in Calabar, Cross River State.
The resolutions were presented by the association’s National President, Dr Ogar Idoko.
NARD expressed dissatisfaction with what it described as delays in implementing agreements previously reached with the Federal Government, stressing that the prolonged non-implementation of the agreements had become a major concern.
Among the issues requiring urgent attention are remuneration, career advancement, professional allowances, excessive workload, manpower shortages and the general welfare of resident doctors.
The association called for the immediate implementation of all outstanding agreements, particularly those concerning improved conditions of service and professional development.
It also demanded the completion of the review of doctors’ remuneration and professional salary structures, arguing that the existing arrangements had failed to adequately reflect current economic conditions.
NARD further called for proper compensation for doctors handling workloads beyond their normal responsibilities as a result of staffing shortages in hospitals.
It advocated the development of standardised mechanisms for calculating and paying compensation for excess workload, supported by reliable data on additional duties performed by medical personnel.
The association also raised concerns over attacks on healthcare workers and urged the government to fully implement existing policies and anti-assault measures aimed at protecting doctors and other medical personnel in healthcare facilities.
On the migration of medical professionals, NARD expressed concern over the continued departure of doctors and other health workers from the country, noting that the trend had aggravated staffing shortages and increased pressure on those remaining in service.
It urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to take urgent steps to address the factors driving healthcare professionals out of Nigeria.
The association also called on state governments to prioritise the welfare of doctors and other healthcare workers employed by their institutions and ensure that approved welfare measures were implemented.
NARD demanded improved hospital infrastructure, adequate medical equipment and better working conditions, saying these were necessary to protect patients and strengthen healthcare delivery.
It also appealed to the National Assembly to increase budgetary allocations to the health sector, stressing that sustainable funding was essential to addressing the challenges confronting healthcare delivery.
The association demanded the immediate payment of outstanding salaries and other entitlements owed to house officers and called for their inclusion in appropriate welfare arrangements.
On the use of electronic clocking systems in hospitals, NARD said it had no objection to their deployment, provided they were implemented appropriately and used for effective data management rather than as a punitive measure against doctors.
The resident doctors maintained that several agreements and commitments reached with the Federal Government remained unresolved despite repeated engagements and assurances.
NARD therefore urged the government to utilise the two-week window to address the outstanding demands and prevent a breakdown of industrial harmony in the health sector.
According to the association, resolving the issues would improve doctors’ welfare, reduce burnout and contribute to better healthcare services for Nigerians.
At the meeting, NARD also elected its national officers, with Idoko emerging as president alongside other members of the National Executive Council.
The new leadership was charged with pursuing the implementation of the resolutions and maintaining engagement with the government towards improving the working conditions of resident doctors.
