Ogun NMA Appeals To FG To Address NARD Demands

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) , Ogun branch , on Tuesday, appealed to the Federal government to address the 19-point demands of Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).

Dr Luqman Ogunjimi, the Chairman, made the appeal at a news conference in Abeokuta.

Ogunjimi explained that the state NMA was in support of the ongoing indefinite strike by NARD.

The NMA chairman explained that the demands reflected deep-seated challenges affecting the welfare of doctors, the sustainability of medical training, and the overall quality of healthcare delivery.

”It was imperative for the federal government to implement all 19 demands as outlined by NARD in good faith and within a realistic timeline.

”Some of the demands included settlement of all outstanding arrears of allowances, including the accoutrement allowance, and promotion arrears of the medical doctors.

“Federal government should ensure fair career progression for resident doctors and medical officers, prioritise health workforce retention through improved remuneration, welfare, and work conditions,” he said.

Ogunjimi noted that the union had also demanded that the government respect and uphold all agreements previously reached with the NMA and NARD to foster lasting industrial harmony.

He explained that of the 19 demands of NARD, only one had been been met since the beginning of the industrial action.

“We hereby appeal to the federal government to treat these demands as a matter of national urgency, as their prompt implementation is critical to ending the ongoing industrial action by resident doctors.

”It will restore industrial harmony within the health sector.

“We also appeal to the public for patience and understanding, as doctors advocate not only for fair treatment but for the preservation of quality healthcare for all Nigerians,” he said.

The briefing had in attendance chairmen of Association of Resident Doctors of Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Dr Olusola Monehin, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta and Neuro Psychiatric Hospital, Dr Rilwan Omogbolahan and Dr AbdulGafar Kolade respectively.

NARD embarked on indefinite strike on Saturday over unmet demands