The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to address outstanding welfare and professional issues affecting its members, warning that failure to act could lead to industrial action.

The association issued the ultimatum at its 46th Annual General Meeting held on Sunday in Calabar, Cross River State.

NARD National President, Ogar Emmanuel Idoko, who read the resolutions of the meeting, expressed concern over what the association described as the slow implementation of agreements reached with the Federal Government.

The doctors said the prolonged delays had become unacceptable and demanded immediate action on issues including remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, excessive workload, manpower shortages and the general welfare of resident doctors.

The association called for “the immediate implementation of agreements reached with the federal government, particularly those relating to improved conditions of service and professional development”.

NARD also demanded appropriate compensation for doctors carrying excess workloads as a result of staffing shortages in hospitals.

According to the association, resident doctors are increasingly taking on additional responsibilities because of inadequate manpower.

It called for standardised compensation templates and reliable data to support payments to doctors performing duties beyond their normal responsibilities.

The association further noted that the government had concluded a review of existing remuneration and professional salary structures for doctors, arguing that the current framework no longer adequately reflected prevailing economic realities.

NARD also raised concerns over attacks on health workers and called for the full implementation of existing policies and anti-assault measures aimed at protecting doctors and other medical personnel in hospitals.

The association expressed further concern over the continued migration of doctors and other healthcare professionals from Nigeria.

It urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to urgently address the factors driving the exodus of medical professionals from the country.

NARD also called on state governments to prioritise the welfare of doctors and other health workers employed by their institutions and ensure the implementation of relevant welfare policies.