Resident Doctors Reject FG’s 25% Pay Raise Proposal

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has rejected the government’s offer to increase doctors’ basic salaries by 25%, stating that it falls short of their original demand.

The doctors are steadfast in their insistence on the complete restoration of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure to its 2009 value, a demand they made to the federal government on July 5, 2023.

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In a communique signed by NARD’s President, Dr Orji Emeka Innocent, Secretary-General, Dr Chikezie Kelechi, and Publicity & Social Secretary, Dr Uma Musa, the doctors expressed their refusal, which effectively extends the ongoing nationwide strike. They view the proposed salary increment as inadequate and remain committed to their indefinite strike until their demands are fully met.

Among their key demands is the immediate implementation of the One-for-One policy, which aims to replace departed clinical workers. The doctors argue that the current workload, resulting from a significant shortage of clinical staff, is unsustainable and poses a threat to their well-being.

The doctors also highlighted that the government has not fulfilled its promise to pay the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).

NARD’s statement further outlines additional demands, including the payment of all salaries and arrears, hazard allowance, consequential adjustment of the minimum wage, and promotion arrears to their deserving members without any further delay.

The association also urges the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) to reverse its decision to downgrade the membership certificate, as this could devalue postgraduate medical training in Nigeria.

NARD calls on specific state governments to address challenges affecting their members’ welfare, such as clearing salary backlogs, paying promotion arrears, adopting/reviewing the CONMESS salary structure, and reviewing the hazard allowance.

They firmly reject the casualization of doctors in tertiary health institutions, cautioning that this could lead to further industrial action if not addressed promptly.

Additionally, they demand the immediate release of their trainer, Prof. Ekanem Philip-Ephraim of UCTH Calabar, and call for enhanced security measures to prevent similar occurrences.

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Finally, NARD appeals to both the Federal and state governments to urgently address their demands to prevent further escalation of the ongoing industrial disharmony in the health sector nationwide.

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