The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) yesterday gave the federal government 72 hours to pay salary arrears of its members.
The association also demanded that the government withdraw the lawsuit filed against doctors before the National Industrial Court in the interest of peace.
The doctors announced the demands at a media briefing after its 41st Annual General Meeting and election of new executives held in Bauchi State.
In a communiqué jointly signed by NARD’s new president, Dr Dare Ishaya and secretary general, Dr Sulaiman Ismail, the resident doctors decried the federal government’s continued failure to accede to their demands.
The doctors restated their resolve to continue with the indefinite strike, which began on August 2, 2021 “until our minimum demands are met.”
“The AGM, in particular, demanded that the federal government should ensure the following urgently for the purpose of restoring normalcy to the health sector:
“Payment of the medical residency training within 72 hours since the money meant for it is available and verification of the list for payment has been completed.
“Payment of the arrears of salaries of our members on GIFMIS platform within 72 hours while the migration process continues.
“Withdrawal of the case against us in court in the interest of peace and payment of our withheld August and September salaries,” NARD stated.
Speaking later, the new president of the association, Ishaya said the ongoing strike will continue until the “minimum demands” of the association are met.
“Annual general meeting unanimously resolved by votes to continue the total and indefinite strike action until our minimum demands are met.
“The annual general meeting, in particular, demanded that the federal government should ensure the following urgently for the purpose of restoring normalcy to the health sector: payment of medical residency training within 72 hours, since the money meant for it is available and verification of the list for payment has been completed; payment of the arrears of salaries of our members on GIFMIS platform within 72 hours, while the migration process continues,” he said.
The other executive members are publicity secretary, Dr Alfa Yusuf, Dr Edoga Chima (1st vice president), Dr Buba Babangida (2nd vice president), Dr Anenga Ushakuma (assistant secretary-general) and Dr Abdulraheem Olayinka (financial secretary).
Also elected were Dr Muhammed Kabir (treasurer), Dr Omoniyi Emmanuel (editor), Dr Adeyeye Abosede (deputy editor), Dr Uyilawa Okhuaihesuyi (IPP) and Dr Jerry Isogun (IPSG).
