BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS

The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to implement outstanding agreements reached with the association or risk a breakdown of industrial harmony in the health sector.

The notice was contained in resolutions reached by the association at its 46th Annual General Meeting (AGM), held 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 with the Federal Government, describing the prolonged delays as 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 specifically 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, arguing that the current framework no longer adequately reflects prevailing economic realities.

NARD further demanded appropriate compensation for excess workload arising from manpower shortages in hospitals, noting that resident doctors were increasingly taking on additional responsibilities because of inadequate staffing.

The association called for standardised templates for compensating doctors for excess workload, as well as reliable data to support payments to medical personnel performing duties beyond their normal responsibilities.

NARD also expressed concern over attacks on health workers and called for the full implementation of policies and anti-assault measures aimed at protecting doctors and other medical personnel in hospitals.

The association raised further concerns over the continued migration of doctors and other health professionals from Nigeria, saying the trend had worsened manpower shortages and increased the workload of doctors who remained in the country.

It therefore urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to urgently address the factors responsible for the continued migration of medical professionals.

NARD also called on state governments to prioritise the welfare of doctors and other health workers employed by their institutions and ensure the implementation of relevant welfare policies.

The association demanded improved infrastructure, adequate medical equipment and better working conditions in health institutions to enhance patient safety and improve healthcare delivery.

It also urged the National Assembly to strengthen budgetary provisions for healthcare, stressing that adequate funding was critical to addressing the challenges confronting the sector.

The resident doctors demanded the prompt payment of salaries and other entitlements owed to house officers and called for their inclusion in relevant welfare arrangements.

On the deployment of electronic clocking systems in hospitals, NARD said it was not opposed to the technology, provided it was properly implemented and used to support accurate data management rather than punish medical personnel.

The association noted that several agreements and commitments reached with the Federal Government remained unresolved despite repeated meetings and assurances.

It therefore urged the government to use the two-week window to address the outstanding issues and avert a breakdown of industrial harmony in the health sector.

According to the association, resolving the disputes would improve the welfare of resident doctors, reduce burnout and ultimately enhance the quality of healthcare available to Nigerians.

Meanwhile, the association elected new national officers, with Dr Emmanuel Ogar emerging as president alongside other members of the National Executive Council.

NARD urged the new leadership to pursue the implementation of the resolutions and sustain engagement with the government towards achieving improved conditions of service for resident doctors.