The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to address outstanding welfare and professional issues affecting its members.
NARD issued the ultimatum at its 46th Annual General Meeting in Calabar, Cross River State, warning that failure to resolve the issues could lead to industrial action.
The association, in resolutions read by its National President, Ogar Emmanuel Idoko, expressed concern over what it described as the slow implementation of agreements reached with the Federal Government.
It called for immediate action on issues including remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, excessive workload, manpower shortages and the general welfare of resident doctors.
NARD also demanded the implementation of reviewed remuneration and professional salary structures for doctors, arguing that the existing framework no longer reflects current economic realities.
The doctors called for appropriate compensation for excess workload caused by manpower shortages in hospitals, saying resident doctors are increasingly taking on additional responsibilities.
The association further demanded standardised templates for compensating doctors who work beyond their normal responsibilities, alongside reliable data to support such payments.
NARD also raised concerns over attacks on health workers and called for the full implementation of policies and anti-assault measures designed to protect doctors and other medical personnel in hospitals.
It also urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to address the factors driving the continued migration of doctors and other health professionals from Nigeria.
The association called on state governments to prioritise the welfare of doctors and other health workers in their employment and ensure that relevant welfare policies are implemented.
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