The National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to resolve outstanding welfare and professional issues affecting its members, warning that failure could trigger industrial action.
The notice is contained in resolutions reached by the association at its 46th Annual General Meeting, AGM, yesterday in Calabar.
The NARD National President, Dr Emmanuel Ogar, read the resolutions.
The resident doctors expressed concern over the slow pace of implementation of agreements reached between the association and the Federal Government, saying prolonged delays had become unacceptable.
They demanded immediate action on outstanding issues relating to remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, excessive workload, manpower shortages and the general welfare of resident doctors.
The association called for the immediate implementation of agreements reached with the Federal Government, particularly those relating to improved conditions of service and professional development.
It also urged the government to conclude the review of existing remuneration and professional salary structures for doctors, saying the current framework no longer adequately reflected prevailing economic realities.
The association demanded appropriate compensation for excess workload arising from manpower shortages in hospitals, noting that resident doctors were increasingly carrying additional responsibilities.
It called for standardised templates for compensation for excess workload and reliable data to justify payments to doctors performing duties beyond their normal responsibilities.
The association also expressed concern 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.
