The National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to address its lingering welfare and professional demands, warning that failure could lead to industrial action.
The ultimatum was part of resolutions reached at the association’s 46th Annual General Meeting held on Sunday in Calabar, Cross River State.
The resolutions were read by the association’s National President, Dr. Ogar Emmanuel Idoko.
NARD expressed dissatisfaction over the slow implementation of agreements earlier reached with government, stressing that the prolonged delays were no longer acceptable.
The doctors are demanding urgent intervention on issues bordering on remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, excessive workload, shortage of manpower and general welfare.
The association called for immediate implementation of existing agreements aimed at improving conditions of service and professional development for its members.
It also urged the Federal Government to conclude the ongoing review of remuneration and salary structures for doctors, noting that the current pay no longer reflects the prevailing economic realities.
NARD further demanded adequate compensation for excess workload occasioned by manpower shortage in public hospitals, saying resident doctors have been overstretched while covering duties beyond their normal responsibilities.
To address this, it called for a standardized template for payment of excess workload and reliable data to justify compensation for affected doctors.
The association also raised alarm over incessant attacks on health workers and called on government to fully enforce anti-assault policies and other measures meant to protect doctors and other medical personnel in health facilities.
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