By Akinwale Kasali
The Federal Government has been given a two- week ultimatum by the National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, to resolve its outstanding welfare and professional issues affecting its members.
It has warned the FG that failure to comply and meet their demands could trigger industrial action.
NARD reached this conclusion after
resolutions reached at its 46th Annual General Meeting, AGM, in Calabar, Cross River State.
Dr Emmanuel Ogar, NARD National President read the resolutions which expressed concern over the slow pace of implementation of agreements reached between the association and the Federal Government, saying the prolonged delays had become unacceptable.
It demanded the immediate action on outstanding issues relating to remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, excessive workload, manpower shortages and the general welfare of resident doctors.
The association called for the immediate implementation of agreements reached with the Federal Government, particularly those relating to improved conditions of service and professional development.
It also urged 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.
The association demanded appropriate compensation for excess workload arising from manpower shortages in hospitals, noting that resident doctors were increasingly carrying additional responsibilities.
It called for standardised templates for compensation for excess workload and reliable data to justify payments to doctors performing duties beyond their normal responsibilities.
The association also expressed concern over attacks on health workers and called for the full implementation of policies and anti-assault measures designed to protect doctors and other medical personnel in hospitals.
It further raised concern over the continuing migration of doctors and other health professionals from Nigeria, saying the development had worsened manpower shortages and increased the workload on doctors who remained in the country.
NARD therefore urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to urgently address the factors responsible for the continued migration of medical professionals.
The association also called on state governments to prioritise the welfare of doctors and other health workers employed by their respective institutions and ensure the implementation of relevant welfare policies.
It demanded improved infrastructure, adequate medical equipment and better working conditions in health institutions to enhance patient safety and improve healthcare delivery.
The resolution urged the National Assembly to strengthen budgetary provisions for healthcare, stressing that adequate funding remained critical to addressing challenges in the sector.
The association demanded the prompt payment of salaries and other entitlements owed to house officers and called for their inclusion in relevant welfare arrangements.
As regards the electronic clocking systems in hospitals, NARD said it was not opposed to their deployment, provided they were properly implemented and used to support accurate data management rather than punish medical personnel.
It observed that several agreements and commitments reached with the Federal Government had remained unresolved despite repeated meetings and assurances.
The association therefore urged the government to use the two-week window to address the outstanding issues and avert a breakdown of industrial harmony in the health sector.
The resident doctors said resolving the disputes would improve their welfare, reduce burnout and ultimately enhance the quality of healthcare available to Nigerians.
The association also elected new national officers, with Dr Emmanuel Ogar emerging as President, alongside other members of the National Executive Council.
It urged the new leadership to pursue the implementation of the resolutions and sustain engagement with the government towards achieving improved conditions of service for resident doctors.
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