The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has raised fresh concerns over the deteriorating welfare of medical professionals in the country, warning that persistent neglect by the government is fueling a worsening brain drain in the health sector.
At the close of its National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting and Scientific Conference held in Calabar, Cross River State, NARD President, Dr. Osundara Tope, told journalists at the weekend that the association has handed the Federal Government a three-week ultimatum to address a long-standing list of grievances or risk renewed industrial action.
“Our healthcare system is hemorrhaging skilled workers, and rather than act, the government seems content with watching it crumble,” Dr. Tope said.
The association’s 14-point demand includes immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), settlement of salary arrears following the 25% and 35% CONMESS salary adjustment, and the long-overdue inclusion of House Officers in the civil service scheme.
They are also calling for reforms to streamline the promotion process for doctors, which they say is bogged down by needless bureaucracy.
NARD also condemned the failure of key regulatory bodies to fully recognize qualifications earned by doctors.
The group criticised the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) for devaluing certificates from the West African College of Physicians and Surgeons, and expressed dismay that the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) has not been issuing corresponding certifications.
Beyond personnel issues, NARD highlighted deep-rooted governance problems in federal hospitals, including the lack of functioning Boards of Management in many tertiary institutions, a vacuum the association says is undermining service delivery and accountability.
The group also called out the governments of Kaduna and Oyo States for failing to honor previous welfare agreements with medical workers, warning that their inaction could trigger a fresh wave of industrial disputes.
In contrast, NARD praised the Ogun and Kano State governments for making timely payments of the MRTF and demonstrating commitment to improving healthcare services.
He criticized the Federal Government’s continued reliance on foreign hospitals for medical treatment, calling it “a national embarrassment.”
“Our leaders jet abroad for treatment of conditions that our own doctors are qualified to manage, if only they had the right tools and support. It’s time we invested in our own hospitals, not just for the people, but for the leaders too,” he said.
He stressed that the issue goes beyond remuneration. “This is about professional dignity, about halting the exodus of our best-trained doctors, and ultimately, about saving lives.”
The NEC is expected to reconvene in three weeks to review the government’s response and decide on the next line of action.
