The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced a two-week extension to their ultimatum for the implementation of a 200 percent increase in the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS). The initial ultimatum has already expired, and the extension will be effective from July 5, 2023.
NARD is also demanding a review of associated allowances, stating that the current economic situation in the country does not justify the current payment structure of CONMESS or any increment below the demanded 200 percent. In a communique issued after an Extra-Ordinary National Executive Council meeting, the medical doctors emphasized that if their demands are not met by July 19, 2023, they cannot guarantee industrial harmony in the health sector nationwide.
The communique, signed by NARD’s President Secretary-General, Dr. Emeka Orji, the Publicity, Dr. Chikezie Kelechi, and the Social Secretary, Dr. Umar Musa, revealed that the decision to extend the ultimatum was made after assessing the level of implementation of the memorandum of understanding signed with the government on May 19, 2023. The assessment took into account the five-day warning strike conducted by the Association on May 17, 2023, as well as other welfare issues concerning their members.
The doctors are also calling for the immediate payment of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) in line with the approved 2023 budget and the agreements reached with the government. They have urged the government to promptly settle all outstanding arrears, including hazard allowances, skipping arrears from 2014-2016, and arrears related to the consequential adjustment of the minimum wage.
Furthermore, NARD demands the release and implementation of guidelines for the one-for-one replacement of clinical staff to address the severe manpower shortage in hospitals nationwide. They also called on the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to halt the downgrading of membership certificates issued by the West African Postgraduate Medical and Surgical colleges.
The communique expressed disappointment over the non-implementation of the resolutions from the conciliatory meeting, which has been pending for seven weeks since the end of the warning strike. The doctors are particularly concerned about the delayed release of the circular on one-for-one replacement of clinical staff and the dire conditions faced by their members in state tertiary health institutions across the country, including Abia, Imo, Benue, Nassarawa, Kwara, Bayelsa, Ogun, and the Federal Capital Territory.
