The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government two weeks to resolve outstanding welfare and professional issues affecting its members, warning that failure to act could lead to industrial action.
The ultimatum was contained in resolutions reached at NARD’s 46th Annual General Meeting in Calabar and presented by the association’s National President, Dr Emmanuel Ogar.
NARD demanded the immediate implementation of agreements on remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, workload and working conditions.
The association also called for improved compensation for doctors handling additional duties due to manpower shortages, better hospital infrastructure and equipment, and stronger measures to protect healthcare workers from attacks.
It urged the Federal Government to address factors driving the migration of doctors and other health professionals, while calling on state governments to prioritise the welfare of healthcare workers in their institutions.
NARD also demanded prompt payment of salaries and other entitlements owed to house officers and urged the National Assembly to strengthen healthcare funding.
On electronic clocking systems in hospitals, the association said it had no objection to the technology if properly implemented for data management rather than as a punitive measure.
NARD 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.
