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By Ayo Kehinde
The National Association of Medical Specialists (NARD) has given the federal government two weeks to honor outstanding agreements and resolve welfare and professional issues affecting its members, warning that failure to comply with its demands could trigger industrial action.
The ultimatum was contained in resolutions adopted at the 46th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association held in Calabar, Cross River State.
NARD National President Dr Emmanuel Ogar read the resolutions at the meeting, where medical specialists expressed concern over the slow pace of implementation of agreements reached with the federal government.
The association said prolonged delays in resolving issues had become unacceptable, urging the government to use the two-week window to address outstanding issues and avoid a breakdown of industrial harmony in the healthcare sector.
Among the issues highlighted by NARD are pay, career progression, professional benefits, excessive workload, workforce shortages and the general well-being of medical residents.
The doctors called for the immediate implementation of the agreements reached with the federal government, especially those regarding the improvement of conditions of service and professional development.
They also urged the government to conclude the review of existing remuneration and professional salary structures for doctors, arguing that the current framework no longer adequately reflects prevailing economic realities.
NARD demanded adequate compensation for the excess workload resulting from manpower shortages in hospitals.
The association said resident doctors are increasingly taking on additional responsibilities due to medical staff shortages, resulting in increased pressure on doctors and contributing to burnout.
It called for standardized models to compensate doctors for excessive workload and reliable data to justify payments to medical staff who perform tasks beyond their normal responsibilities.
The association also expressed concern over the continued migration of doctors and other healthcare workers from Nigeria, saying the development has further worsened labor shortages and increased the workload of doctors who remain in the country.
NARD urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to urgently address the factors responsible for the continued migration of medical professionals.
He also called on state governments to give priority to the welfare of doctors and other healthcare workers employed by their respective institutions and ensure implementation of relevant welfare policies.
Resident doctors expressed concern about attacks on health workers and called for the full implementation of anti-assault policies and measures designed to protect doctors and other medical staff in hospitals.
They also called for better infrastructure, adequate medical equipment and better working conditions in healthcare institutions, saying all this is necessary to improve patient safety and healthcare delivery.
NARD urged the National Assembly to strengthen budgetary provisions for healthcare, stressing that adequate funding remains key to addressing the challenges facing the sector.
The association also requested the timely payment of salaries and other entitlements due to internal officials and requested their inclusion in the relevant welfare agreements.
Regarding electronic clocking systems in hospitals, NARD said it is not opposed to their use, provided they are properly implemented and used to support accurate data management rather than punishing medical staff.
The association said several agreements and commitments reached with the federal government remained unresolved despite repeated meetings and assurances.
He therefore urged the Government to use the two-week ultimatum to resolve outstanding issues and avoid industrial action.
Resident doctors said addressing complaints would improve their well-being, reduce burnout and ultimately improve the quality of healthcare available to Nigerians.
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