The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has expressed dismay over the continued exclusion of its members from specialist allowance payments despite performing specialist functions across healthcare institutions in Nigeria.
Dr. Osundara Tope, President of the Association in Akwa Ibom, voiced these concerns during a press conference in Uyo on Saturday, where he presented a communique from the May Ordinary Meeting and Scientific Conference themed "The Medical Profession: Policies, Politics, and Future Prospects."
"The OGM observed with disappointment the continued exclusion of resident doctors from the payment of specialist allowances, despite their active role in delivering specialist care across various health institutions," the communique stated.
The association also strongly condemned the persistent casualisation and poor remuneration of doctors by chief executives of tertiary hospitals, describing it as unacceptable treatment of medical professionals.
Outstanding Salary Arrears and Allowances
NARD expressed disappointment over the non-payment of arrears from the upward review of the CONMESS salary structure and other outstanding salary arrears. The association condemned the federal government's failure to pay the 2024 Accouterments Allowance arrears.
Dr. Tope highlighted that members have been persistently shortchanged for the past 16 years due to the absence of consequential adjustments to the CONMESS structure, which he noted was a breach of the 2009 Collective Bargaining Agreement.
"This contradicts the National Policy on Health Workforce, which advocates improved incentives to retaining healthcare workers," he said.
The association expressed dismay at the lack of response to multiple correspondences sent over the past six months regarding the consequential adjustments, indicating a pattern of neglect toward their concerns.
Specific Institutional Concerns
The meeting further expressed displeasure over delays in addressing welfare issues at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, including non-payment of outstanding March 2024 salaries and the 7-14 months of arrears still owed to Residents and Medical Officers of the association.
The communique, signed by Dr. Osundara Tope (President), Dr. Odunbaku Kazeem Oluwasola (Secretary General), and Dr. Amobi Omoha (Public and Social Secretary), outlined several demands from the association.
NARD's Demands
NARD is demanding immediate payment of the arrears of the 25/35% upwardly revised CONMESS and other salary arrears. They are also calling for full implementation of consequential adjustments to the 2019 and 2024 minimum wage on basic salaries and allowances, along with accrued arrears.
The association's concerns come amid ongoing challenges in Nigeria's healthcare sector, including the 'japa' phenomenon that has seen many medical professionals leave the country for better opportunities abroad.
