National Association of Resident Doctors issues two-week ultimatum to Nigerian government

The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Nigerian Federal Government to resolve outstanding welfare and professional issues or face industrial action. The association cited unresolved agreements regarding remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, and manpower shortages as primary concerns.

NARD is calling for an immediate review of salary structures to reflect current economic conditions and is demanding compensation for doctors managing excess workloads due to staff shortages. The association also highlighted the need for anti-assault measures to protect medical personnel in hospitals.

In a related development, Hon. Tanko Sununu, chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Healthcare Service, announced that NARD members are to refund approximately N308 million in wrongly paid emoluments from the last four months. The association stated that delays in returning the funds were due to the lack of a provided government account number, which has now been resolved.

To address payment discrepancies, the House Committee has summoned the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) Registrar to explain why some house officers received multiple payments while others received nothing. A committee will also be established to conduct a forensic audit of the MDCN’s activities over the last five years.