By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The Federal Government has urged the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to suspend its ongoing nationwide strike, saying that 19 out of its 20 demands have already been addressed.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Mohammad Maigari Dingyadi, made the plea in Abuja on Wednesday, November 19, during a meeting with stakeholders.
He urged NARD to respect the country’s laws and suspend its industrial action, reminding it that “by Labour Laws and ILO conventions,” when issues are conciliated, all parties are enjoined not to employ arm-twisting methods to intimidate or foist a state of helplessness on the other party, in this case, their employers, the Federal Ministry of Health.”
According to a statement by the Head of Press and Public Relations unit of the ministry, Annah Daniel, the minister stressed that with the high percentage of the association’s demands already being addressed in a series of negotiation meetings, NARD has no reason to continue the industrial strike.
Dingyadi stated that the payment on the 25 per cent/35 per cent upward review of CONMESS and the 2024 accoutrements allowances of the association had commenced up to December 2024.
He also said that the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) and NARD are working to reconcile those who have bank issues or omissions and failed payments.
The statement read: “He further pointed out that specialist allowance for resident doctors, outstanding salaries, and allowance arrears owed to resident doctors in several federal and state hospitals – FUHSTH Otukpo, FMC-Owo, UITH Ilorin, OAUTHC, UUTH Uyo –, special pension benefits as agreed with NMA in the MoU, were all accepted to compile the list of arrears owed to the resident doctors to FMOH for onward transmission to the Budget Office for action.
“The minister also highlighted that the disengaged five resident doctors from FTH Lokoja, shortage of manpower with increased workload and burnout, House Officers’ exclusion from the scheme of service, casualisation of resident doctors through abusive locum arrangements, necessary authorisation letters and committee were set up for necessary actions for positive reinstatement and postings by the FMoH&SW or as the case may be.
“Dingyadi pointed out that on the non-release of correct professional allowances, FMOH&SW has engaged with NSIWC and directed that a circular be issued within two weeks.”
The statement further noted that all health sector groups involved would be consulted for convenience, in line with the PSR 2021 and the FR. To this end, NARD refused to sign the MOU outright.
