The National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, has given the federal government two weeks to resolve outstanding welfare and professional issues affecting its members.
The association warns that failure to meet its demands could trigger industrial action, potentially disrupting healthcare services across the country.
The ultimatum followed NARD’s 46th Annual General Meeting in Calabar, Cross River State.
At a press briefing after the Annual General Meeting, NARD National President, Dr Ogar Emmanuel, read the communiqué adopted by the association.
The doctors are demanding the implementation of outstanding agreements with the federal government, a review of remuneration and salary structures, improved career progression, and compensation for excess workload arising from manpower shortages.
NARD is calling for stronger protection for medical personnel, improved hospital infrastructure and equipment, prompt payment of house officers’ entitlements, and increased healthcare funding.
The demands are coming against the backdrop of deliberations at the AGM, where Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, represented by Deputy Governor, Peter Odey, addressed the resident doctors on the state government’s healthcare policies.
NARD’s outgone National President, Dr Mohammad Suleiman, also commended the Cross River State Government for implementing the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, CONMESS, and other reforms aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery.
With the two-week ultimatum now issued, attention shifts to the Federal Government’s response and whether the outstanding demands will be resolved before resident doctors take further action.
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(Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie)
