The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has threatened to go on a nationwide strike if the government refuses to address the delayed reviewed salary structure.
This was revealed in a letter signed by the President of the association, Dr. Innocent Orji and delivered to the Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire.
The association stated in the letter that an ultimatum had been handed to the federal government six months ago on account of irregularities in the new circular on upward review of the medical residency training fund (MRTF).
They also raised concern over outstanding payment of the arrears of the new hazard allowance, non-payment of the skipping arrears for 2014, 2015 and 2016, and non-payment of the consequential adjustment of minimum wage to some of their members
They lamented over the delay in the upward review of the consolidated medical salary structure (CONMESS), salary arrears of members in state tertiary health institutions and non-domestication of the medical residency training act (MRTA) in most states.
The association appreciated the government for resolving some of the issues but said many of the issues still remain unattended to and have now become sources of serious nationwide agitation.
“The January 2023 National Executive Council meeting has been scheduled for January 24th to 28th 2023 and we can confirm very clear feelers that if these issues are not sorted out before that meeting, our members will likely give us mandate to immediately kick-start processes that will lead to a nationwide industrial disharmony in the health sector” they disclosed.
They urged the Minister to use his office to resolve these issues before their January NEC meeting, as they are aware of the chaos that will ensue if the government does not take steps to address the issues raised in their letter.
