The National Association of Resident Doctors has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to address its outstanding welfare and professional demands.
The association warned that failure to meet the demands could trigger industrial action.
NARD issued the ultimatum on Sunday at its 46th Annual General Meeting in Calabar, Cross River State.
The resolutions were read by the association’s National President, Ogar Emmanuel Idoko.
The doctors expressed concern over what they described as the slow implementation of agreements reached with the Federal Government.
NARD said the prolonged delays had become unacceptable.
The association demanded immediate action on issues including remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, excessive workload, manpower shortages and the general welfare of resident doctors.
It called for “the immediate implementation of agreements reached with the Federal Government, particularly those relating to improved conditions of service and professional development.”
The doctors also demanded appropriate compensation for additional workloads caused by manpower shortages in hospitals.
NARD said resident doctors were increasingly taking on responsibilities beyond their normal duties because of inadequate manpower.
It called for standardised templates to determine compensation for excess workload, as well as reliable data to support payments to doctors performing additional duties.
The association also raised the alarm over attacks on healthcare workers in hospitals.
It urged the government to fully implement existing policies and anti-assault measures designed to protect doctors and other medical personnel.
NARD further expressed concern over the continued migration of doctors and other health professionals from Nigeria.
It called on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to urgently address the factors driving the exodus of medical professionals.
The association also urged state governments to prioritise the welfare of doctors and other healthcare workers employed by their institutions.
It called for the implementation of relevant welfare policies to improve working conditions and retain medical professionals in the country.
