Resident doctors begin indefinite nationwide strike
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared an indefinite nationwide strike, starting from midnight of Tuesday.
The strike follows the lethargic disposition of the government towards some critical demands of the resident doctors despite previous warnings and a five-day warning strike.
Godswill Akpabio: Nigeria’s New Senate President corrupt life unveiled
Some of the issues in contention between NARD and FG include; salary adjustments and the release of funds for medical residency training.
2023 Election: Agenda for Mr President | Best Wishes
Dr Orji Emeka Innocent, the President of NARD who made this declaration during the National Executive Council meeting in Lagos noted that the move follows the association’s disappointment with the government’s sluggish response to their demands, despite issuing multiple ultimatums.
Air strikes kill 22 civilians including women, children as Sudan war intensifies
NARD has expressed its concerns about several key issues, which are yet to be adequately addressed by the authorities.
Among the primary demands are the immediate payment of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) and the release of the circular regarding one-for-one replacement.
NAFDAC urges Nigerians to avoid unwholesome Whippy Real Mayonnaise
The association also called for the payment of skipping arrears and an upward review of CONMESS (Consolidated Medical Salary Structure) to restore salaries to their 2014 value.
Earlier, the association had convened a virtual extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, where they expressed their frustration with the government’s inaction.
Despite giving ample warning, including a five-day warning strike from May 17th to 21st of the same year, the authorities have not fulfilled their promises.
In a statement, NARD highlighted that the resolutions from a conciliatory meeting, chaired by the former Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, had not been implemented even after seven weeks, surpassing the agreed time frames.
NARD’s demands cover various critical areas concerning the welfare of doctors and healthcare professionals.
Apart from the immediate payment of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund, the association is pressing for the prompt release of the circular pertaining to one-for-one replacement aimed at addressing staff shortages and to ensure the continuity of medical services.
Additionally, NARD is advocating for the payment of skipping arrears, which are long overdue. This adjustment is essential to recognize the dedication and expertise of experienced medical practitioners.
Another significant demand made by NARD is for the upward review of CONMESS to restore salaries to their 2014 value. This according to the union will help alleviate the financial burdens faced by resident doctors and boost morale.
Moreover, NARD seeks the payment of arrears of consequential adjustment of minimum salaries to omitted doctors, ensuring equitable compensation for all healthcare workers.
Furthermore, the association is pushing for the reversal of the downgrading of membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN). Restoring these certificates is crucial to uphold the professional standing of doctors.
NARD also emphasizes the need for a new hazard allowance scheme, considering the increased risks healthcare workers face daily, especially in challenging circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, the association urges the implementation of corrected CONMESS in State Tertiary Health Institutions and the payment of omitted hazard allowance arrears.
These measures will improve working conditions and ensure fair compensation for medical professionals across various healthcare facilities in the country.
The indefinite nationwide strike has the potential to disrupt healthcare services across Nigeria as resident doctors play a critical role in providing medical care, their absence from the workforce may lead to delays in patient treatments and a burden on other medical personnel.
With an already strained healthcare system, the strike could exacerbate the challenges faced by patients seeking medical attention. This situation may affect vulnerable populations the most, including the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses.
__________________
We do hope that the information we were able to provide you are helpful. Checkout out other unique articles on our blog for more detailed information and do well to share with your friends and family. Follow us on our Twitter and Facebook to stay updated with premium information.
Please leave any comments or questions in the area given below.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in Fact Check are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Fact Check. Any content provided by our bloggers or authors is of their opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.
Information is presented to the best of our knowledge and while we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability concerning the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Therefore, any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.
