Resident Doctors Issue Two-Week Ultimatum to FG

The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government a two-week deadline to address unresolved welfare and professional concerns, warning that failure to act could lead to industrial action.

The ultimatum was announced on Sunday in Calabar during the association’s 46th Annual General Meeting, where NARD President, Dr. Ogar Emmanuel Idoko, read out the resolutions.

The doctors expressed frustration over delays in implementing agreements previously reached with the government, insisting that issues such as remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, manpower shortages, and general welfare must be urgently addressed.

They demanded a review of existing salary structures to reflect current economic realities, standardized compensation for excess workload caused by staff shortages, and stronger measures to protect health workers from assaults in hospitals.

NARD also raised alarm over the continued migration of medical professionals abroad, which has worsened manpower shortages and increased the burden on those remaining in Nigeria.

The association urged the Federal Ministry of Health to tackle the root causes of this exodus.Additionally, the doctors called on state governments to prioritize healthcare workers’ welfare, improve infrastructure, and provide adequate medical equipment to enhance patient safety.

They also urged the National Assembly to strengthen healthcare funding through improved budgetary provisions.

The association emphasized that resolving these disputes would reduce burnout, improve doctors’ welfare, and ultimately enhance healthcare delivery nationwide.New national officers were elected at the meeting, with Dr. Idoko emerging as president.

The leadership pledged to pursue the resolutions and sustain dialogue with the government to secure better working conditions for resident doctors.

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