The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has urged the Federal Government to increase the remuneration of medical doctors in Nigeria, describing the current salary as inadequate. Dr. Emmanuel Idoko, chairman of NARD’s University of Calabar Teaching Hospital chapter, made this call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria amid the association’s ongoing strike.
NARD embarked on an indefinite strike on 1 November to protest poor welfare, low salaries and other issues affecting its members. The association is seeking implementation of its 19 pending demands, which were agreed upon after a collective‑bargaining agreement with the Federal Government. Although the agreement was initially signed in 2009 and reviewed in 2014 and 2019, none of its provisions have been implemented.
According to Dr. Idoko, the demands include recruitment of more doctors to reduce workload, a review of the salary structure, reduction of call hours, provision of modern hospital infrastructure, and recognition and certification of doctors who have passed their part‑one specialist examinations. The industrial action is intended to pressure the government to act on these demands.
Dr. Idoko stated that the strike will continue until the government provides realistic timelines for implementation. “Once we see realistic timelines, we will reconvene our National Executive Council (NEC) and review the situation,” he said.
The strike has significant implications for Nigeria’s healthcare system, which is already struggling to provide quality services. The Federal Government’s response to NARD’s demands will be crucial in resolving the crisis and restoring normal medical services. With the strike ongoing, patients and their families are bearing the brunt of the industrial action, underscoring the need for a swift resolution.
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