Resident Doctors Issue Two-Week Strike Notice to Federal Government

CALABAR — Resident doctors under the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) have issued the Federal Government a two-week deadline to address unresolved welfare and professional concerns, warning that failure to meet their demands could lead to industrial action.

The warning followed resolutions adopted at NARD’s 46th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Calabar yesterday. The association’s National President, Dr Emmanuel Ogar, presented the resolutions.

NARD said the slow pace of implementing agreements reached with the Federal Government had become a major concern, adding that continued delays were no longer acceptable.

Among the issues the doctors want addressed are remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, excessive workload, manpower shortages and the overall welfare of resident doctors.

The association demanded the immediate implementation of existing agreements with the Federal Government, particularly those covering improved working conditions and professional development.

It also called for the completion of the review of doctors’ remuneration and professional salary structures, saying the current system does not sufficiently reflect prevailing economic realities.

Manpower shortage increases workload

The doctors said manpower shortages had placed additional responsibilities on resident doctors and called for appropriate compensation for excess workload.

NARD demanded standardised templates for determining and paying compensation for excess workload, as well as reliable data to establish the number of doctors performing duties beyond their normal responsibilities.

The association also condemned attacks on health workers and called for the full implementation of policies and anti-assault measures aimed at protecting doctors and other healthcare personnel.

NARD said the continued migration of doctors and other health professionals was worsening manpower shortages and placing additional pressure on those who remain in Nigeria.

It urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to urgently address the factors driving the migration of medical professionals.

The association also appealed to state governments to prioritise the welfare of doctors and other health workers in their employment and implement relevant welfare policies.

Doctors seek better hospitals

NARD called for improved infrastructure, adequate medical equipment and better working conditions in health institutions, saying these were necessary to improve patient safety and healthcare delivery.

It also urged the National Assembly to increase budgetary allocations to healthcare, stressing that adequate funding was essential to tackling the sector’s challenges.

The association demanded the prompt payment of salaries and other outstanding entitlements owed to house officers and their inclusion in relevant welfare arrangements.

On the use of electronic clocking systems in hospitals, NARD said it had no objection to their deployment if they were properly implemented.

According to the association, the systems should be used to improve accurate data management and not as a means of punishing medical personnel.

Two-week window

NARD said several agreements and commitments reached with the Federal Government remained unresolved despite repeated meetings and assurances.

The association consequently urged the government to use the two-week window to resolve the outstanding issues and prevent a breakdown of industrial harmony in the health sector.

It said resolving the disputes would improve the welfare of resident doctors, reduce burnout and ultimately enhance healthcare delivery to Nigerians.

Meanwhile, NARD elected new national officers, with Dr Emmanuel Ogar emerging as president alongside other members of the National Executive Council.

The association charged the new leadership with pursuing the implementation of its resolutions and maintaining engagement with the Federal Government to secure improved conditions of service for resident doctors.

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