The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD had threatened to embark on strike from 5th July before, then shifted it to 19th of July. This came following the expiration of its ultimatum to the government for immediate implementation of a 200 per cent increase in the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, CONMESS but also requesting an upward review of associated allowances, as mentioned in their previous letters on the context.
They argue that the current economic situation in the country does not justify the continuation of the current CONMESS payment or any increment below the 200 per cent they are demanding.
Recall that the Association released a communique months ago. According to the communique jointly signed by Dr. Emeka Orji – the President, Dr. Chikezie Kelechi – the Secretary-General, and Dr. Umar Musa – the Social Secretary, the decision to extend the ultimatum was reached by the National Executive Council (NEC), of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
The NEC came to this decision after evaluating the level of implementation of the memorandum of understanding (MoU), that was signed with the Government on May 19th, 2023, subsequent to the five-day warning strike conducted by the Association starting on May 17th, 2023.
The meeting also addressed other critical issues concerning the welfare of NARD members.
In a communique released at the conclusion of the Extra-Ordinary National Executive Council meeting of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), the medical doctors made it clear that they cannot assure industrial harmony in the health sector across the country once the extended ultimatum expires on July 19th, 2023, if their demands are not met.
They emphasized the seriousness of their position and the potential for unrest within the health sector unless the government fulfills their requirements.
The doctors are also demanding the immediate payment of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund, MRTF, as contained in the approved 2023 budget in line with various agreements they reached with the government.
They called on the government to without further delay, pay all outstanding arrears owed their members including the hazard allowance and the skipping arrears of 2014-2016, and the arrears of consequential adjustment of minimum wage as there is no justifiable reason to keep owing these arrears and allowances.
National Assembly begs….
The Nigerian government delegation led by the Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, on Monday appealed to the medical doctors to shelved strike, adding that the Tinubu government is just forming without a minister yet.
Abbas said that medical doctors plays a crucial role in the lives of Nigerians, finding a lasting solution to the imminent strike by resident doctors is necessary.
Among those attending the meeting are; first Vice-President of NARD – Nnamdi Ndi-Ezuma, Permanent Secretary – Ministry of Finance Special Duties, Okokon Udo.
GOVIMA followed up….
Our team followed up the conversation via an online radio programme aired on Nigeria Info with Sheriff Quadri. Speaking on the new development was Dr. Asore Emmanuel. The south-South NARD caucus leader appreciates the leadership of the House of Representatives for meeting with them on the hanging issues.
“The welfare of medical workers is important. When you compare the ratio of doctors to patients, Nigeria is far from the standard. The WHO standard says 1 to 600, but in Nigeria, we have one medical doctor to about five thousand patients. This automatically brings a drain on the doctor and the patient” he added.
The NARD caucus leader buttressed that, when asked about the state of medical facility in the country, “it boils down to the government. It is the government that needs to fund hospitals. You can imagine a hospital that has no oxygen , no basic tools to treat a patient’’
BRAIN GAIN is possible but….
An increase in the number of highly trained, foreign-born professionals entering a country to live and work would mean there are greater opportunities offered for gain.
We mean to posit that; government needs to create an enabling environment that will encourage all medical personnels who left (JAPA) from the country to come home to actively support and improve the health care system.
Dr. Emmanuel said “we can’t talk about brain gain if the issues on ground is not settled. According to our findings; NARD observes that our colleagues moved abroad because of remuneration and security issues.
How can a doctor do well when he has not been paid well yet work round the clock. Security does not mean protection from street robbery or so; it means doctors are protected, we have seen patient threatening to beat up doctors or doctors been beaten by patients’ family”
Emmanuel said when the two are sorted, that is the moment to talk about brain gain and bringing back home all medical doctors.
The NARD caucus added that the association is on industrial action for the interest of Nigerians“ we are not strikers, we don’t enjoy it as many Nigerians think. We value the lives of our patients, we are doing nothing but best of all.”
“When you see us on strike action, Nigerians should know that we have dialogued but no result, and it means our last option to bring the desire result”
