The National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, has given the Federal Government 14 days to address outstanding welfare and professional concerns affecting its members or face the possibility of industrial action.
The ultimatum was issued at the end of the association’s 46th Annual General Meeting, AGM, held in Calabar, Cross River State.
NARD National President, Dr Emmanuel Ogar, presented the resolutions reached at the meeting, where resident doctors raised concerns over what they described as prolonged delays in the implementation of agreements reached with the Federal Government.
The doctors said repeated engagements and assurances had not resulted in the full resolution of several issues affecting their working conditions.
The association warned that failure to address the outstanding matters within the two-week period could lead to a breakdown of industrial harmony in the health sector.
According to the resolutions, the issues cover remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, excessive workload, manpower shortages and the general welfare of resident doctors.
NARD called for the immediate implementation of agreements already reached with the government, particularly those dealing with improved conditions of service and professional development.
The association also wants the Federal Government to conclude the review of existing remuneration and professional salary structures for doctors.
It argued that the current salary framework had failed to adequately reflect prevailing economic realities.
Another major concern raised by the doctors was the workload being carried by resident doctors because of manpower shortages in hospitals.
NARD said shortages of medical personnel had left many doctors handling responsibilities beyond their normal duties.
It therefore demanded appropriate compensation for excess workload and called for the development of standardised templates that would guide such payments.
The association also requested reliable data to determine the workload being carried by doctors and provide a basis for appropriate compensation.
The issue of healthcare workers leaving Nigeria also featured prominently in the resolutions.
NARD expressed concern over the continued migration of doctors and other medical professionals from the country.
It said the development had further reduced the number of available healthcare workers and increased pressure on doctors who remain in the system.
The association urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to take urgent steps to address the factors contributing to the migration of medical professionals.
It also called on state governments to prioritise the welfare of doctors and other health workers employed by their respective institutions.
According to the association, improved welfare at the state level would require proper implementation of existing policies as well as better working conditions.
NARD further demanded improved hospital infrastructure and adequate medical equipment.
It said healthcare workers require a safer and better-equipped environment to effectively attend to patients and provide quality medical services.
The association also raised concerns over attacks on doctors and other healthcare workers in hospitals.
It called for the full implementation of existing anti-assault policies and other measures designed to protect medical personnel while carrying out their duties.
NARD urged relevant authorities to ensure that hospitals provide adequate security for healthcare workers and patients.
The association also turned its attention to healthcare funding.
It called on the National Assembly to strengthen budgetary provisions for the health sector, stressing that adequate funding was necessary to address several of the challenges affecting healthcare delivery.
The doctors also demanded the prompt payment of salaries and other outstanding entitlements owed to house officers.
NARD further called for house officers to be properly included in relevant welfare arrangements.
On electronic clocking systems being introduced in some hospitals, the association said it was not opposed to their use.
However, it maintained that such systems should be properly deployed for accurate data management and administrative purposes rather than being used as a punitive tool against medical personnel.
The association said several commitments previously made by the Federal Government remained outstanding despite repeated meetings.
It therefore urged the government to use the 14-day window to resolve the issues and prevent another disruption to healthcare services.
NARD said resolving the disputes would improve the welfare of resident doctors and help reduce the pressure and burnout associated with excessive workloads.
It also linked improved working conditions to better healthcare delivery for Nigerians.
The meeting also witnessed changes in the leadership of the association.
Dr Emmanuel Ogar emerged as the new National President, alongside other members elected into the National Executive Council.
The new leadership is expected to pursue the resolutions reached at the AGM while continuing discussions with the Federal Government on the outstanding issues.
