The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to meet its demands or risk industrial action in the health sector. According to NAN, the association said this in a communique issued on Wednesday after its virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council Meeting (E-NEC). The communique was signed jointly by NARD’s National President, Dr Innocent Orji, Secretary-General, Dr Chikezie Kelechi and the Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr Umar Musa. Recall that members of the association embarked on a five-day warning strike on May 17 and also called on the FG to address its concerns before May 29 otherwise, there would be industrial disharmony. The industrial action was embarked upon after the two-week ultimatum issued to the Federal Government on April 29 expired on May 13 without the issues being addressed. Members of the association however suspended the strike on May 21. According to the communique, the NEC meeting was held to appraise the level of implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Federal Government on May 19 following the five-day warning strike embarked upon by the association on May 17. It was to also discuss other pressing issues bordering on the welfare of NARD members. It disclosed that, “NEC hereby wishes to further extend her already expired ultimatum issued to the government by two weeks with effect from July 5, 2023. “The NEC of NARD insists on immediate implementation of minimum of 200 per cent increment in the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and upward review of the associated allowances as requested in her previous letters on the subject matter. “Since the current economic realities in the country cannot justify the continued payment of CONMESS as it is at the moment or any increment below the 200 per cent as demanded. Related News FG investigates PoS agents, threatens sanctions Teachers begin strike in England over pay rise Foundation urges FG to recognise young talents “For purposes of emphasis, at the expiration of this further extended ultimatum by July 19, if all these demands are not met, we cannot guarantee industrial harmony in the health sector nationwide.”
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to meet their demands or face the possibility of industrial action in the health sector. In a communique issued after their virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council Meeting, the NARD expressed their concerns and emphasized the need for immediate action. The association had previously embarked on a five-day warning strike and suspended it temporarily, urging the government to address their concerns. However, with the expiration of the ultimatum, they have decided to extend it by two weeks. The demands include a minimum 200% increment in the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and an upward review of associated allowances. The resident doctors also highlighted the need for the implementation of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) and the release of guidelines for the replacement of clinical staff to alleviate the manpower shortage in hospitals. They expressed their frustration over the delay in implementing the resolutions of the conciliatory meeting and the non-payment of outstanding arrears and allowances. The NARD warned of potential industrial disharmony in the health sector if their demands are not met by the specified deadline.
