Doctors under the aegis of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) have again threatened to commence strike if the Nigerian government fails to meet their demands.
This development is contained in a communique issued at the end of the NARD’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held from 25th to 30th July in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The communique was signed by the president of the association, Godiya Ishaya.
The doctors said both the federal and state governments had defaulted on agreements made with the doctors in the past. The doctors are demanding, amongst other things, the immediate implementation and payment of the new hazard allowance and arrears.
NARD said some arrears for 2014, 2015, and 2016 have remained unpaid despite several negotiations with the government.
The doctors noted that since the implementation of a new minimum wage in 2019, some of their members are yet to benefit from the consequential adjustment.
“The NEC demands immediate payment of consequential adjustment of minimum wage to our members who have been deprived of this benefit since it was implemented several years ago.”
The doctors are also demanding an immediate review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and other related allowances given the current economic situation in the country.
The doctors said this is also in line with the agreed terms from the previous Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that it will be reviewed regularly.
NARD noted that the Abia State Government had made little progress towards implementing the Medical Residency Training Act (MRTA 2007), and payment of 26 months’ salary areas owed resident doctors at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH).
Credit: premiumtimesng.com
