The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to address unresolved welfare and professional issues affecting its members. The association warned that failure to resolve the outstanding issues within the period could lead to industrial action. The ultimatum was contained in resolutions reached at NARD’s 46th Annual General Meeting held on Sunday in Calabar.
The National President of the association, Dr Ogar Emmanuel Idoko, read the resolutions, where the doctors expressed concern over delays in implementing agreements reached with the Federal Government. NARD said the prolonged delay had become unacceptable and demanded immediate action on issues relating to remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, excessive workload, manpower shortages and general welfare.
The association called for the implementation of previous agreements, particularly those concerning improved working conditions and professional development. It also urged the government to conclude the review of existing remuneration and salary structures for doctors, saying the current framework no longer reflected prevailing economic realities. The doctors raised concerns over increased workload caused by manpower shortages in hospitals, demanding appropriate compensation for doctors handling responsibilities beyond their normal duties.
NARD also called for stronger protection of healthcare workers following concerns over attacks on medical personnel in hospitals. The association expressed worry over the continued migration of doctors and other health professionals from Nigeria, saying the trend had worsened staffing shortages and placed more pressure on doctors who remain in the country. It urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to address the factors contributing to medical migration.
The doctors also called on state governments to prioritise the welfare of health workers under their employment and improve infrastructure, equipment and working conditions in healthcare facilities. NARD appealed to the National Assembly to strengthen healthcare funding and demanded the prompt payment of salaries and entitlements owed to house officers. On electronic clocking systems in hospitals, the association said it was not opposed to the technology but insisted it should be used for proper data management rather than as a punitive measure against medical workers.
The association said several agreements and commitments reached with the Federal Government remained unresolved despite repeated engagements. It urged the government to use the two-week window to address the issues and prevent a disruption of healthcare services. NARD also elected new national officers during the meeting, with Dr Ogar Emmanuel Idoko emerging as the new national president alongside members of the National Executive Council.
