The Federal Government has been issued a two-week deadline by the National Association of Resident Doctors. This is to address unresolved welfare and professional issues that affect its members. Failure to do so could result in strike action.
Resolutions adopted by the association during its 46th Annual General Meeting in Calabar contain the ultimatum.
Dr. Ogar Emmanuel Idoko, the National President of NARD, read the resolutions. The resident doctors demanded immediate action on unresolved issues pertaining to compensation. It also asked for career advancement, professional allowances, excessive workload, manpower shortages, and the general welfare of resident physicians. 
They expressed concern about the slow pace of execution of the agreements agreed upon between NARD and the Federal Government. It stated that the prolonged delays had become unacceptable.
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NARD Raises Concern Over Doctors’ Migration
It also expressed concern over the ongoing outflow of doctors and other medical professionals from Nigeria. It claimed that this development has made the country’s manpower problem worse and increased the workload for the doctors who stayed.
As a result, NARD called on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to take immediate action to address the causes of the ongoing migration of medical professionals.
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NARD Calls for Better Working Conditions
Additionally, the association urged state governments to guarantee the implementation of welfare measures. It also urged it to give priority to the well-being of doctors and other health professionals who work for their respective institutions.
In order to increase patient safety and healthcare delivery, it called for stronger infrastructure, sufficient medical equipment, and better working conditions in healthcare facilities. The group urged that house officers be included in relevant welfare arrangements. It also wants their salary and other entitlements to be paid promptly.
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