The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called on the Federal Government to settle outstanding Medical Residency Training Funds (MRTF) and salary arrears. At a press briefing in Abuja, NARD President Dr. Tope Osundara expressed disappointment over the non-payment of the 2025 MRTF, outstanding 2023 and 2024 MRTF, and arrears of the 2022 MRTF.
Key Demands
- Payment of Outstanding Salaries: NARD urges the FG to promptly pay arrears of the upwardly revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and other outstanding salary structures.
- Implementation of Minimum Wage: The association demands full implementation of consequential adjustments for the 2019 and 2034 minimum wage on basic salaries and allowances.
- Employment of Doctors: NARD calls for sustained engagement with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to ensure seamless employment of doctors in health institutions.
Brain Drain Concerns
The association expressed concerns over the persistent drift of specialized medical manpower in privately-owned teaching hospitals due to poor remuneration. To address this, NARD urges state governors to prioritize doctors’ welfare in state-owned hospitals and training institutions.
Next Steps
The National Officers Committee has been mandated to continue engagements with the FG. If there’s no significant response after six weeks, the NEC will convene an emergency meeting to reassess the situation.
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