The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) in Kaduna has kick-started its industrial action, as the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported.
According to the chairman of ARD’s chapter in Kaduna, Mahmood Rufai, doctors under the association’s umbrella body were given no more than a day to hand over or discharge their patients in general hospitals before the strike.
The association resolved to issue one week ultimatum to the state government starting Friday, July 28, 2023, during which full medical services will be rendered despite the ongoing NARD strike.
Rufa’i said the association demanded full implementation of the new Federal Government CONMESS and SKIPPING and upward review with immediate effect.
His words:
“The association, as an affiliate member of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), held a virtual emergency congress on Friday to scrutinise the attitude of the state government following the two weeks ultimatum.
“The ultimatum was given to the government on March 6 to discuss lingering challenges affecting the welfare of its members.
“For the purpose of emphasis, failure of the government to address the above-stated challenges before the timeline of August 4 necessitates the congress to embark on an indefinite strike.”
Rufa’i said doctors were still on 59 per cent of the Reviewed 2009 CONMESS, which was implemented in 2014.
“The congress observed that the insinuation for the full implementation of the 2009 CONMESS has changed following the removal of fuel subsidy, increase in fuel price and cost of living, an upward review of the CONMESS is necessary,” he said.
Rufa’i also said the congress observed non-implementation of the Reviewed Medical Residency Training Act, and non-payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund, for years, which helps doctors on the residency programme.
He noted that the congress also expresses concern that the government has yet to release circulars for recruiting new staff to replace those who have exited the various Secondary Health Facilities across the state.
