The Nigeria Association of Residents Doctors (NARD) has concluded plans to embark on an indefinite strike on April 1, 2021, if the government refuses to attend to its demand; including payments of outstanding salaries and more.
This was followed by the meeting held on Saturday 27, 2021, at the Trauma center of National Hospital Abuja, by the extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to review its earlier ultimatum and deliberate on burning issues affecting residency training, health care delivery and the welfare.
The communique of the NEC attended by over 50 chapters of NARD was yesterday signed by its presidents, Dr Uyilawa Okhuaihesuyi; Secretary General, Dr Jerry Isogan and Publicity /Social Secretary, Dr Dotun Oskoya, and obtained by journalists.
The Document reads partly, “The NEC unanimously agreed that NARD should proceeds on a total and indefinite strike on April 1, 2021 at 8am if the following demand is not met, (regardless of quota system) before the end of business on March 31, 2021.
“Immediate payment of all salary arreas including March salaries for our members in all Federal (GIFMIS platform) and State Tertiary Health Institutions across the country especially ASUTH, IMSUTH and UNIMEDTH)
“Upward review of the current hazard allowance to 50% of consolidated basic salaries of all health workers and payments of the outstanding Covid 19 inducement allowance especially in state owned tertiary institutions.
” Abolishments of the exorbitant bench fees being paid by our members on outside postings in all training across the country with immediate effect.
“Payment of salary shortfalls of 2014, 2015, and 2016 to our members in all Federal Institutions including state owned institutions as earlier agreed with NARD.
“Payment of the death in service insurance of all health workers who died as a result of Covid 19 infection or other infectious disease in the country.
The NARD also demanded the” immediate implementation of Sept 2017 Memorandum of Terms of settlement between NARD and the Federal Government in order to bring lasting peace to health sector and curb the ongoing ugly trend of brain drain from the health sector.
In addition, it requested for “sack of the Registrar of Medical and Dental council of Nigeria for failure to demonstrate competence in the handling of the central placement of house officers. This will give room for smooth implementation of the central placement of house officers without further delays”.
Lolo Ijeoma Njoku reporting, Obinwannem News
