NARD Issues 14-Day Ultimatum to Federal Government

The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the resolution of outstanding issues or risk a nationwide strike. This ultimatum was presented by Dr Emmanuel Ogar, the newly elected President of NARD, during the association’s 46th Annual General Meeting held in Calabar, Cross River State.

NARD claims that the Federal Government has failed to implement several agreements regarding remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, and improved working conditions. The association expressed that the delays have adversely impacted the welfare and morale of resident doctors.

They highlighted that the current salary structure does not align with economic realities and that excessive workloads have resulted from severe manpower shortages exacerbated by the migration of medical professionals abroad. NARD's demands include the immediate implementation of all outstanding agreements, prompt payment of salaries and entitlements for house officers, a standardized compensation template for excess workloads, enforcement of anti-assault policies for health workers, improved hospital infrastructure, and increased health sector budget allocations.

Failure to address these issues within the stipulated timeframe could disrupt healthcare delivery nationwide.