- a list of 19 unresolved administrative and welfare issues
- the non-payment of outstanding 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary arrears
- federal and state governments to convene an urgent health sector summit
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has voiced serious concerns over its members’ welfare and working conditions, just six days before its 30-day ultimatum to the Federal Government concludes.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the doctors’ union has formally presented a list of 19 unresolved administrative and welfare issues, alleging “systemic neglect, poor welfare and worsening working conditions” across the nation’s hospitals, where members are often overworked and undervalued.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Controversy as Kano Court Orders TikTok Star to Wed Dwarf Content Creator
- TOOPF, Age Nigeria Foundation Champion Elderly Wellbeing in Epe at 2025 International Day of Older Persons
- Lekki LCDA Concludes Two-Day Free Health Outreach for Men
In a communiqué following its Annual General Meeting in Katsina, NARD accused the government of neglecting long-standing demands, including unpaid allowances, bureaucratic stagnation, and deteriorating hospital conditions.
NARD’s Secretary-General, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, highlighted that resident doctors endure unregulated work hours and prolonged duty shifts, which pose a danger to both patients and practitioners, sometimes tragically leading to the loss of doctors while on duty. A key grievance among the 19 demands is the non-payment of outstanding 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary arrears from the CONMESS upward review, which was due in August 2025.
NARD also condemned the unjust dismissal of five resident doctors from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, amidst rising burnout and mass migration.
Meanwhile, leaders in the health sector urged new medical professionals to commit to Nigeria. At the induction of 136 graduates from the University of Ibadan, officials including Dr Temitope Ilori (NACA DG) and Dr Fatima Kyari (MDCN CEO) called for patriotism and professionalism.
Ilori emphasized the government’s significant investment in medical education in public universities, noting that graduates are debt-free unlike their peers in high-income countries, which constitutes a “privilege and a call to service” against the “japa” syndrome (brain drain).
Separately, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos State branch, appealed to both federal and state governments to convene an urgent health sector summit to tackle systemic problems, including a review of the Lagos State Health Sector Reform Law and ensuring salary relativity is protected.
FURTHER READING
