The National Association of Resident Doctors has issued the Federal Government a two-week deadline to address unresolved welfare and professional concerns affecting its members, warning that failure to act may lead to industrial action.
The ultimatum formed part of resolutions adopted by the association during its 46th Annual General Meeting held on Sunday in Calabar.
The resolutions were presented by NARD National President, Dr Ogar Emmanuel Idoko.
Resident doctors criticised the slow implementation of agreements previously reached with the Federal Government, describing the continued delays as unacceptable.
They called for urgent intervention on issues including remuneration, career advancement, professional allowances, excessive workload, inadequate manpower and the overall welfare of resident doctors.
The association demanded “the immediate implementation of agreements reached with the Federal Government, particularly those relating to improved conditions of service and professional development.”
It also appealed to “the government to conclude the review of existing remuneration and professional salary structures for doctors, saying the current framework no longer adequately reflected prevailing economic realities.”
NARD also demanded proper compensation for doctors handling excessive workloads due to staff shortages in hospitals, noting that resident doctors were increasingly taking on additional duties.
It called for uniform compensation guidelines and accurate data to support payments to doctors performing responsibilities beyond their regular duties.
The association raised concerns over attacks on healthcare workers and urged the full enforcement of existing policies and anti-assault measures aimed at protecting doctors and other medical personnel.
It also highlighted the continued migration of doctors and other healthcare professionals from Nigeria, saying the trend had deepened manpower shortages and placed additional pressure on doctors who remained in the country.
NARD consequently called on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to urgently tackle the factors driving the continued departure of medical professionals.
The association further urged state governments to give greater attention to the welfare of doctors and other healthcare workers in their institutions and ensure that applicable welfare policies were implemented.
It demanded improved hospital infrastructure, sufficient medical equipment and better working conditions to promote patient safety and strengthen healthcare delivery.
NARD also called on the National Assembly to increase budgetary allocations to the health sector, stressing that adequate funding was essential to resolving persistent challenges.
The association demanded the immediate payment of outstanding salaries and entitlements owed to house officers and advocated their inclusion in appropriate welfare arrangements.
Regarding electronic clocking systems in hospitals, NARD clarified that it was not against their use, provided they were appropriately deployed to improve data management rather than serve as a punitive measure against medical workers.
The association noted that several agreements and commitments reached with the Federal Government remained outstanding despite numerous meetings and assurances.
Resident doctors give Federal Govt two weeks to avert strike period to resolve the pending matters and prevent a disruption of industrial harmony within the health sector.
According to the resident doctors, addressing the disputes would improve their welfare, reduce burnout and ultimately contribute to better healthcare services for Nigerians.
The association also conducted elections for its new national officers, with Dr Ogar Emmanuel Idoko emerging as president alongside other members of the National Executive Council.
