The National Association of Resident Doctors has issued the Federal Government a two-week deadline to address outstanding welfare and professional concerns affecting its members.
The association made the demand in resolutions adopted at its 46th Annual General Meeting held in Calabar on Sunday.
NARD National President, Dr Ogar Emmanuel Idoko, who read the resolutions, said the slow implementation of agreements reached with the government had become a major concern for resident doctors.
The association called for urgent action on issues including remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, excessive workload, manpower shortages and the general welfare of doctors.
NARD also demanded the implementation of existing agreements on improved working conditions and professional development.
It further called for a review of the remuneration and professional salary structures for doctors, arguing that the current arrangements did not adequately reflect prevailing economic conditions.
The doctors also demanded proper compensation for additional workloads arising from shortages of medical personnel in hospitals.
According to the association, standardised mechanisms should be established for determining and paying doctors who take on responsibilities beyond their normal duties.
NARD raised concerns over attacks on healthcare workers and called for the full implementation of measures designed to protect doctors and other medical personnel in hospitals.
The association also expressed concern over the continued migration of doctors and other health professionals from Nigeria, saying the trend had contributed to manpower shortages and increased pressure on those remaining in the country.
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It urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to address the factors driving the migration of medical professionals.
The association also called on state governments to prioritise the welfare of doctors and other healthcare workers employed by their institutions and ensure that relevant welfare policies were implemented.
NARD demanded improved infrastructure, adequate medical equipment and better working conditions across health facilities, stressing the importance of such measures to patient safety and healthcare delivery.
It also appealed to the National Assembly to strengthen healthcare funding through improved budgetary allocations.
The doctors further demanded the prompt payment of outstanding salaries and other entitlements owed to house officers, as well as their inclusion in relevant welfare arrangements.
On electronic clocking systems in hospitals, NARD said it was not opposed to their introduction but insisted that the systems should be properly implemented and used primarily for accurate data management rather than as a punitive measure against medical personnel.
The association said several commitments reached with the Federal Government had remained unresolved despite repeated engagements and assurances.
It therefore urged the government to use the two-week period to resolve the outstanding matters and prevent a disruption of industrial harmony in the health sector.
NARD said addressing the concerns would improve doctors’ working conditions and help reduce pressure on healthcare personnel.