The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has granted a two-week extension to its expired ultimatum for the immediate implementation of a 200% increase in the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), starting from July 5, 2023, after the government failed to meet the initial deadline.
Furthermore, NARD is insisting on a review of the associated allowances, as previously highlighted in their letter, considering the current economic realities in the country that render the current payment structure for CONMESS unsustainable or any increase below the stipulated 200 percent.
Considering the prevailing economic realities in the country, NARD argues that the current payment of CONMESS or any increment below the requested 200 percent is not viable, as stated in their previous letters on the matter.
In the communique released after the Extra-Ordinary National Executive Council meeting, NARD made it clear that if their demands are not addressed by the expiration of the extended ultimatum on July 19, 2023, they cannot guarantee nationwide industrial harmony in the health sector.
Dr Emeka Orji, Dr. Chikezie Kelechi, and Dr. Umar Musa, as NARD’s President, Secretary-General, and Social Secretary respectively, released a joint communique announcing the extension of the ultimatum.
Read also: NARD Strike: End In Sight As FG, Doctors Set To Sign New Pact
The decision was reached by the National Executive Council (NEC) after evaluating the implementation progress of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with the government on May 19, 2023, following the association’s five-day warning strike on May 17, 2023.
The NEC also addressed other important issues concerning the welfare of NARD members.
The doctors are also pressing for the immediate release of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) as outlined in the approved budget. They stress that this request aligns with the agreements previously made between the doctors and the government.
They insist that the government promptly fulfill its obligations by paying all outstanding arrears owed to their members, including the hazard allowance, skipping arrears of 2014-2016, and the arrears of consequential adjustment of minimum wage. They argue that there is no justifiable ground for the prolonged non-payment of these arrears and allowances.
‘We demand the immediate release and the implementation of the guidelines on one-for-one replacement of clinical staff to cushion the effect of the massive manpower shortage in our various hospitals nationwide.’
The communique reads: ‘NEC calls on the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to discontinue the downgrading of the membership certificate issued by the West African Postgraduate Medical and Surgical colleges as this is not obtainable in other parts of West Africa where these same certificates are issued.’
‘NEC demands the immediate payment of all Salary Arrears, implementation of the CONMESS salary structure and new Hazard Allowance and domestication of the Medical Residency Training Act, and payment of the MRTF to our members in the State Tertiary Health Institutions nationwide.’
They expressed their dismay at the non-implementation of the resolutions reached during the conciliatory meeting, noting that it has been seven weeks since the conclusion of the five-day warning strike by the Association.
They voiced their worry about the absence of the circular outlining the one-for-one replacement of clinical staff who have left tertiary hospitals nationwide.
They brought to mind that in the conciliatory meeting, it was agreed that the implementation guideline would be issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation on or before June 5, 2023, and later communicated to the Tertiary Hospitals for implementation.
‘This has not happened till now. Unfortunately, Doctors and Nurses in these Tertiary Hospitals continue to break down and suffer the burnout effect, assaults, and harassment consequent upon the severe manpower shortage occasioned by this.’
They expressed further shock at the ongoing deplorable conditions faced by their members in State Tertiary Health Institutions, including but not limited to Abia State, Imo State, Benue State, Nassarawa State, Kwara State, Bayelsa State, Ogun State, and the Federal Capital Territory.