Resident doctors give government two weeks to address demands

The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given Nigeria’s Federal Government two weeks to address unresolved employment and welfare issues, warning that it could take industrial action if its demands are not met. The ultimatum was adopted at the association’s 46th annual general meeting in Calabar, according to resolutions read by NARD President Dr Ogar Emmanuel Idoko. NARD said agreements and commitments reached with the government remained unresolved despite meetings and assurances. The association called for the implementation of existing agreements, particularly those concerning doctors’ conditions of service and professional development. The report did not include a response from the government. The demands cover remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, workloads, staffing levels and doctors’ welfare. NARD also urged the government to conclude a review of doctors’ remuneration and salary structures, saying the current arrangements did not reflect prevailing economic conditions. The association called for compensation for resident doctors taking on additional duties because of staffing shortages.