The Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called on the Federal Government to urgently address the challenges of manpower shortages and insecurity faced by resident doctors in the country.
Dr. Dele Abdullahi, the president of the association, made this appeal during a press conference held in Abuja on Saturday.
During its 2024 National Executive Council meeting, held in Abuja from January 30 to February 3, NARD discussed various issues affecting resident doctors in Nigeria.
Among the major challenges highlighted were insecurity, the government’s failure to implement one-on-one clinical staff replacement, measures to counter brain drain, inadequate financing, and non-payment of salaries and arrears.
Related News: Historic Strike Unfolds as Junior Doctors Protest Pay Issues in England
“The NEC observed with pain the serious challenges of manpower shortages in our hospitals, the attendant burnout on our members, and the failure of the government to implement the one-for-one replacement of clinical staff in the hospitals, and any other measures to mitigate brain drain in the country,” said Dr. Abdullahi.
He also cited assaults on doctors, high school fees for medical students’ professional examinations, maltreatment by some Chief Medical Directors, and poor remuneration as factors contributing to the migration of healthcare workers from Nigeria.
“The NEC further observed with surprise the non-compliance of Chief Medical Directors and Managing Directors of tertiary health institutions to commence payment of some approved allowances to resident doctors.
The NEC also observed the astronomical increase in the rate of assault against medical doctors within their duty post,” he added.
Dr. Abdullahi called on medical examination bodies to withdraw fee increments to enable students to register and sit for their examinations, emphasizing the need for prompt action to address these pressing issues.
The association has instructed its local chapters to deliberate on modalities for addressing the identified challenges, with plans to hold an extraordinary general meeting in four weeks to discuss further actions.
You can also read: Nigerian Army Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) Graduate Recruitment 2024