…says that 19 of 20 demands were “attended”
The Federal Government has asked the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to call off its ongoing strike, noting that 19 of the 21 demands presented by the Association have already been addressed.
The Minister of Labor and Employment, Dr. Mohammad Dingyadi, in a meeting with striking doctors in Abuja, called on NARD to respect the laws of the country and end the strike.
He reminded the Association that “under labor laws and ILO conventions, once matters are under conciliation, all parties are expected to refrain from pressure tactics or actions that could undermine or impose difficulties on the other party, in this case, the employer: the Federal Ministry of Health.”
Dr Dingyadi stated that given the significant progress made during several negotiation meetings, NARD has no justifiable reason to continue the strike.
He explained that the upward revision of 25%/35% of the CONMESS and the 2024 Equipment Allocations for the Association has been addressed, and that the IPPIS has started payment until December 2024, except in cases of banking problems or omissions.
He added that IPPIS and NARD were currently reconciling these outstanding payment discrepancies.
The Minister also highlighted progress on several other issues, including the allocation of specialists for resident doctors; outstanding salaries and arrears owed to resident doctors at various federal and state hospitals including FUHSTH Otukpo, FMC Owo, UITH Ilorin, OAUTHC Ile-Ife and UUTH Uyo; special pension benefits previously agreed with the NMA in the MoU.
He noted that all these arrears have been compiled and sent to the Federal Ministry of Health for further transmission to the Budget Office.
Dr Dingyadi also addressed concerns surrounding the disengagement of five resident doctors at FTH Lokoja, manpower shortage leading to increased workload and burnout, exclusion of house officers from the service plan and alleged informalization of resident doctors through abusive substitution arrangements.
In a statement signed by the ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Annah Daniel, the Minister revealed that the necessary authorization letters and committees have been established to facilitate reinstatement processes, appointments and other interventions required by the Federal Ministry of Health and Welfare.
On the issue of non-release of correct professional allowances, the Minister stated that the Federal Ministry of Health and Welfare has contacted the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC), which has been directed to issue the relevant circular within two weeks.
He emphasized that all relevant health sector stakeholders would be consulted in accordance with the Public Service Rules (PSR 2021) and the Financial Regulations.
However, he noted that NARD refused to sign the Memorandum of Understanding.
The Minister therefore urged NARD to call off the ongoing strike in the interest of patients and for the overall good of the nation.
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