The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a demand for the immediate payment of the N25,000 quarterly accoutrement allowance for medical and dental doctors in federal public service hospitals, medical centers, and clinics.
News About Nigeria gathered that this call was made in a communiqué released at the end of the association’s January National Executive Council meeting and health summit held in Abuja from January 30 to February 3, 2024.
In July 2023, the Federal Government approved the payment of a N25,000 allowance for medical and dental doctors in the federal public service.
However, NARD observed that the Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of tertiary health institutions have yet to commence payment of the approved accoutrement allowance.
The communique, signed by NARD’s President, Dr. Dele Abdullahi; Secretary-General, Dr. Anaduaka Christopher; and Public & Social Secretary, Dr. John Egbe, expressed dissatisfaction with the non-compliance of CMDs/MDs of tertiary health institutions regarding the approved accoutrement allowance.
The association also noted the prolonged non-payment of skipping arrears, delayed payment of salary and promotion arrears, and the use of outdated salary structures in certain health institutions.
While commending the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory for initiating the payment of the reviewed Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), accoutrement allowance, and promotion arrears, the NARD communique said that its members in specific health institutions are facing challenges, emphasising the need for urgent intervention.
The resident doctors called on the government to speed up the implementation of solutions to address chronic manpower shortages, provide clarity on the recent waiver declaration for recruitment, and implement the upward review of the consolidated medical salary structure.
The association also urged state governors to adopt the reviewed CONMESS and commence its implementation.
In addition to their demands related to remuneration and allowances, NARD condemned the increasing rate of assaults on its members in hospitals and called on the government to enhance security measures in hospital facilities and workplaces nationwide.
