The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a 30-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address its outstanding demands or face industrial action.
In a communique issued at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja, the doctors expressed disappointment over what they described as the government’s slow response to their long-standing grievances.
The association listed some of the unresolved issues to include: payment of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), implementation of the one-for-one replacement policy to address manpower shortages, and the payment of arrears of salary and hazard allowances owed to members in several institutions.
NARD President, Dr. Dele Abdullahi, said the union had shown restraint and patience despite repeated assurances by the government, but stressed that resident doctors would not hesitate to take decisive action if the 30-day deadline lapses without meaningful progress.
“We have exhausted all avenues of dialogue. This ultimatum is a final reminder to the government that the welfare of doctors cannot continue to be treated with levity,” Abdullahi said.
The association further urged the Federal Government to prioritize the health sector to stem the tide of brain drain, warning that the continued neglect of medical personnel was worsening the country’s healthcare crisis.
The ultimatum is expected to expire by the end of October, after which the association will reconvene to decide on the next line of action.
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