The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has handed the Federal Government a two-week window to resolve lingering welfare and professional issues or face possible industrial action.
The warning followed resolutions reached at the association’s 46th Annual General Meeting in Calabar, Cross River State.
NARD National President, Dr Emmanuel Ogar, said the doctors were increasingly concerned about delays in implementing agreements already reached with the government.
At the centre of the dispute are issues ranging from remuneration and career progression to unpaid entitlements, professional allowances, manpower shortages and excessive workloads.
The doctors said the shortage of medical personnel had left resident doctors carrying additional responsibilities, with the association demanding a standardised system for compensating those working beyond their normal duties.
NARD also called for a review of doctors’ salary and remuneration structures to reflect prevailing economic conditions.
The association raised another concern over the continued migration of doctors and other health professionals, warning that the loss of personnel was worsening pressure on those still working in Nigerian hospitals.
It urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to address the factors driving the exodus of medical professionals.
Beyond doctors’ welfare, NARD demanded improved hospital infrastructure, adequate medical equipment and stronger measures to protect health workers from attacks.
The association also called for prompt payment of salaries and other entitlements owed to house officers.
On electronic clocking systems in hospitals, NARD said it was not opposed to their deployment but insisted that they should be used for proper data management rather than as a tool to punish medical personnel.
The doctors further urged the National Assembly to strengthen healthcare funding, stressing that inadequate resources remained a major challenge to effective service delivery.
NARD appealed to state governments to also implement welfare measures for doctors employed by their institutions.
The association said the Federal Government should use the two-week window to resolve the outstanding issues and prevent another disruption in healthcare services.
It said addressing the disputes would improve doctors’ welfare, reduce burnout and strengthen healthcare delivery to Nigerians.
