The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government two weeks to address outstanding welfare and professional concerns affecting its members, warning that failure to act could lead to industrial action.
The ultimatum was contained in resolutions adopted at NARD’s 46th Annual General Meeting held in Calabar, Cross River State, on Sunday.
The association’s National President, Dr Ogar Emmanuel Idoko, presented the resolutions at the meeting.
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Doctors Demand Action on Welfare
NARD expressed frustration over delays in implementing agreements reached with the Federal Government, saying the situation had become unacceptable.
The doctors are demanding action on remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, excessive workloads, manpower shortages and other welfare issues.
The association also called for a review of doctors’ salary and remuneration structures to reflect current economic conditions.
Manpower Shortages Increase Workload
NARD said staff shortages in hospitals had placed additional pressure on resident doctors, with many taking on responsibilities beyond their normal workload.
It called for standardised systems for compensating doctors who perform additional duties and urged authorities to maintain reliable data to support such payments.
The association also raised concerns about the continued migration of doctors and other health professionals from Nigeria, saying it was worsening staffing shortages and increasing the workload of those who remain.
The doctors called for stronger protection of healthcare workers and the full implementation of existing measures against assaults in hospitals.
NARD also urged state governments to improve the welfare of doctors and other health workers in their employment.
It further called for better hospital infrastructure, adequate medical equipment and improved working conditions to support safe and effective healthcare delivery.
Doctors Call for Better Healthcare Funding
The association urged the National Assembly to strengthen funding for the health sector and called for the prompt payment of salaries and other outstanding entitlements owed to house officers.
On electronic clocking systems in hospitals, NARD said it was not opposed to their use but insisted that they should be properly implemented for data management rather than as a means of punishing medical personnel.
NARD said several agreements and commitments reached with the Federal Government remained unresolved despite previous meetings and assurances.
The association has therefore given the government two weeks to address the outstanding issues and prevent a possible disruption to healthcare services.
NARD said resolving the issues would help improve doctors’ welfare, reduce workload and burnout, and support better healthcare delivery across the country.
New NARD Leadership
The association also elected new national officers during the meeting, with Dr Ogar Emmanuel Idoko emerging as National President alongside other members of the National Executive Council.
The new leadership is expected to pursue the resolutions and continue discussions with the government on improving conditions of service for resident doctors.
