Resident doctors reject 25% salary increase, demand complete restoration
Resident doctors across the nation remain steadfast in their resolve as they reject the proposed 25% increase in their basic salary and accoutrement allowance. The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), represented by the National Executive Council (NEC), firmly insists on the full restoration of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure to its rightful value as it stood in 2009.
The doctors assert that until significant progress is made by the government in addressing their demands as outlined in their ultimatum issued on July 5th, 2023, the ongoing nationwide total and indefinite strike will persist.
Dr. Orji Emeka Innocent, NARD’s President, Dr. Chikezie Kelechi, the Secretary-General, and Dr. Uma Musa, the Publicity & Social Secretary, jointly signed a communique declaring their position. They expressed their dissatisfaction with the proposed 25% increase, deeming it ‘paltry’ and confirming that the strike would continue.
During the NEC meeting held in Lagos, with the theme “Bullying in Medical Practice: A Matter of Perspective?” under the tag ‘LasGIDI 2023′, the doctors’ communique emphasized the immediate release of the circular regarding the One-for-One policy for replacing exited clinical workers.
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They highlighted the detrimental consequences of the depleted clinical staff in hospitals due to brain drain, leading to increased work overload and risking the lives of their members.
The doctors also noted the non-payment of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) despite promised disbursements from the government.
In the communique, the NEC resolution was stated as follows: “To demand the payment of all salaries and arrears including the salary arrears of 2014-2016, arrears of hazard allowance, arrears of consequential adjustment of the minimum wage, and promotion arrears to our deserving members without further delay.”
Furthermore, they called upon the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) to reconsider their decision to downgrade the membership certificate, highlighting the negative impact it will have on postgraduate medical training in Nigeria.
In response to the doctors’ demands and resolute stance, Dr. Innocent stated, “We cannot accept a mere 25% increase when our salary structure has been grossly devalued for so long. Our strike will continue until the government takes our concerns seriously and initiates substantial progress in meeting our demands.”
