Strike: FG and resident doctors are discussing demands.

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors and the Federal Government have started talking about the requests of the doctors.
Dr. Yusuf Alfa, the NARD publicity secretary, revealed this in a chat with our correspondent.
On July 30, 2022, the resident doctors gave the federal government a two-week deadline to fulfill all of the agreements it had with the association, failing which they would go on an indefinite strike.
The doctors are requesting that the Federal Government act quickly to pay the recently reviewed Medical Residency Training Fund so that their members can register for exams before the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria’s announced deadline.
The National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission’s circular containing the new hazard allowance and arrears must also be immediately implemented and paid, according to their demands.
The NARD is requesting the prompt payment of the consequential adjustment of the minimum wage to members who have been denied since it was adopted several years ago, as well as the payment of the skipping arrears for the years 2014, 2015, and 2016 to worthy members.
Other demands include paying back doctors’ salary arrears in the states of Abia (26 months), Imo (10 months), Ondo (five months), Ekiti (three months), and Gombe (two months), among others, given the nation’s current economic position.
Dr. Alfa informed The PUNCH that the association is now meeting with government representatives to discuss its concerns.
He stated: “We are meeting with government officials but not directly a round-table discussion that involves everybody. We are meeting government officials as regards how to solve the issues before the expiration of the ultimatum.
“So far, so good, we are getting some positive responses from those we are meeting but it has not transmitted to what we want. On the state governors owing our members months of salaries, some of them promised to pay part of it but nothing has been done.
“As regards the hazard allowance, and Medical Residency Training Fund, there is some progress being made even though it’s slow but we will hope that all of these are resolved before the expiration of our ultimatum.
“We have gotten some circulars regarding the MRTF but the monetary aspect of it is yet to come. For the hazard allowance, the process is ongoing but we have not seen anything regarding the payment yet.”

GOGAN Media.