The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has instructed all its branches to issue a two-week ultimatum to Chief Medical Directors (CMD) and Managing Directors (MD) to pay allowances owed to members.
In a communique issued after its general meeting held in Kaduna State, NARD warned that failure to comply with the directive will result in nationwide industrial actions.
During the meeting, NARD advocated for the elimination of the casualisation of doctors to ensure equitable and secure employment practices in the country.
They urged healthcare facilities to hasten their migration to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) to streamline payroll procedures.
The doctors further stressed that any assault on medical workers would lead to an immediate withdrawal of services until the safety of the area is guaranteed for practice.
They called upon the National Assembly to pass legislation criminalising assaults on healthcare professionals.
Also, they requested a reduction in examination fees for the West African Colleges of Surgeons and Physicians to facilitate the registration of resident doctors.
In July 2023, NARD announced an indefinite strike commencing after the National Executive Council meeting held in Lagos.
In a press statement, NARD outlined seven major demands of the doctors, which include immediate payment of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), immediate release of the circular on one-for-one replacement and payment of skipping arrears, an upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), payment of the arrears of consequential adjustment of minimum to the omitted doctors, and also the reversal of the downgrading of the membership certificate by MDCN.
The doctors also demanded the payment of MRTF, new hazard allowance, skipping and implementation of corrected CONMESS in State Tertiary Health Institutions, as well as the payment of omitted hazard allowance arrears.
