The Resident Doctors had embarked on the strike last year to demand the implementation of the memorandum of agreement they reached with federal government
By Emma Ogbuehi
The health sector may witness another round of disharmony as the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government two weeks to implement agreements concerning their welfare or face industrial action.
The association gave the ultimatum after their National Executive Council meeting which held in Lafia, Nasarawa.
The ultimatum comes as the strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over welfare and non-implementation of agreements by the government, since February14, is about to enter the sixth month.
In a communique signed by NARD President, Dr. Dare Godiya Ishaya, the doctors said they would reconvene in two weeks to review the progress made so far, as it relates to their demands.
In the resolution, the doctors vowed to take further actions for which nationwide industrial harmony may not be guaranteed.
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Part of their demand is on the Federal Government to expedite action on the payment of the newly reviewed Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) so its members can meet up with the closing date of examination registration as advertised by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN).
They are also demanding the immediate implementation and payment of the new Hazard Allowance and arrears as contained in the circular from the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC).
Other demands include the payment of the skipping arrears for 2014, 2015 and 2016 to deserving members and immediate payment of consequential adjustment of minimum wage to its members who have not benefitted since it was implemented several years ago.
The doctors are demanding an immediate review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and other related allowances given the current economic situation in the country, and also in line with the agreed terms from the previous Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that it will be reviewed regularly.
The Association had on August 2, 2021 embarked on strike that lasted for 63 days, causing disruption of activities in medical service delivery and leading to avoidable deaths.
They had embarked on the strike to demand the implementation of the memorandum of agreement they reached with federal government and to protest the alleged non-payment of arrears of salaries and allowances to some of their members, as well as non-implementation of life insurance for those treating COVID-19 patients.
The doctors had also sought immediate release of their residency training fund and for the placement of their members in the appropriate salary structure.