‘Imo, Ondo, Ekiti, Gombe Owe Doctors 20-Month Salaries’

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has claimed that Imo, Ondo, Ekiti and Gombe State owe its members working 20-month salaries.

President of the association, Dr Dare Ishaya, stated this in Lafia in a communique at the end of the July National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and scientific conference of NARD in Lafia from July 23-25.

NARD said: “NEC were displeased over the condition of our members under different state Governments employ namely Imo, Ondo,Ekiti and Gombe owed 10, 5, 3 and 2 months salaries respectively.”

The association called on the Federal Government, the Nigerian Governor’s Forum, stakeholders and well-meaning Nigerians to prevail on the Governors of Imo (10 months) Ondo (5 months), Ekiti (3 months) and Gombe (2 months) States to urgently pay arrears of salaries and allowances owed members as this is becoming embarrassing.

The association however resolved and urged the Federal Government to expedite action on the payment of the newly reviewed Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) within a two-week ultimatum to enable members meet up with the closing date of examination registration as advertised by the national postgraduate medical collage of Nigeria.

The NEC demanded among others the immediate implementation and payment of the new hazard allowance and arrears as contained in the circular from the national salaries, income and wages commission dated 22nd December 2021 within two weeks.

“The NEC demands immediate payment of consequential adjustment of minimum wage to our members who have been deprived this benefits since it was implemented several years ago

“NEC demands an immediate review of the consolidated medical salary structure (CONMESS) and other related allowances given the current economic situation in the country, and also in line with the agreed terms from the previous collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that it will be reviewed regularly,” the Communique reads.

The NEC of the association appreciated Governors of Delta, Benue, and Lagos States and the FCT Minister as well as the Governor of Nasarawa State for their efforts in adoption/domestication of the MRTF 2017 and also payment of MRTF to residents doctors under their employ.

They however call on other Governors to emulate and replicate this achievements to improve healthcare delivery in their various states.