The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has expressed concern about the inadequate staffing levels in healthcare facilities across the nation.

This assertion was made in an official statement released after the Ordinary General Meeting held in Kaduna from May 27 to June 1, 2024, with the theme, ‘Progressing towards universal health coverage: Evaluating Nigeria’s position amidst economic challenges and epidemiological changes.’

The communique was signed by the association’s President, Dr. Dele Abdullah; Secretary-General, Dr. Christopher Anaduaka; and Public and Social Secretary, Dr. John Egbe.

NARD highlighted that the shortage of staff is leading to exhaustion among its members due to heavy workloads, and urged the Federal Government to address the concerns raised by Organised Labour.

Recently, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, criticized the ongoing trend where countries like Nigeria are losing trained healthcare professionals to developed nations that did not invest in their initial education.

Nevertheless, he mentioned that Nigeria is taking responsibility to reconstruct the national healthcare system, enhance governance, reinforce public health capabilities, and optimize the value of its healthcare services.

Additionally, the statement by NARD pointed out that larger healthcare institutions are experiencing the most significant impact from the staff shortage.

It partly read, “The OGM observed with dismay the dearth of manpower in our hospitals across the country with bigger centres bearing the greater brunt and its attendant burnout effect on our members.

The OGM also noted with appreciation the different efforts of the Ministry of Health to find a lasting solution to this chronic manpower shortage.

“The OGM observed that this manpower gap has resulted in a high workload meted on our members across the country resulting in burnout and worsening the exodus of our members. The OGM also observed that despite the massive manpower gap there is still massive casualization of our members in different health institutions across the country.

“The OGM observed with dismay the injustices being endured by our members on Locum appointments such as not being paid the upward review Consolidated Medical Salary Structure and being denied other emoluments such as medical residency training fund and hazard allowances by some hospital managements. The OGM noted with shock that the federal government paid only one month of the upward CONMESS review arrears with a protracted delay in paying the remaining seven months.”

Physicians are expressing disappointment and frustration over the intentional delay by some Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors in paying allowances, despite a circular from the National Salaries Income and Wages Commission on July 26, 2023, and a directive from the coordinating minister of the Federal Ministry of Health and social welfare.

The doctors are also alarmed by the rising incidents of violence against healthcare workers nationwide.

In response, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) is urging the government to establish a cap on working hours to mitigate burnout and overwork among healthcare professionals and to end the casualization of doctors, promoting secure and fair employment practices.

The communiqué further said, “The OGM calls on healthcare centres to expedite migration to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System following the employment of new residents to streamline payroll processes. The OGM calls for appropriate remuneration for extra hours worked by health workers to recognise and compensate for their additional effort.

“The OGM calls for the expedited payment of reviewed CONMESS salary arrears. The OGM mandates respective centres to give a two-week ultimatum to all the CMDs/ MDs to pay the accoutrement allowance. The OGM reiterates its stand that assault on our members will result in immediate withdrawal of duties till we are sure the area is safe enough for practice.

“The OGM calls on the legislative to expedite the enactment of laws criminalising assault on healthcare professionals to provide legal protection and deterrence. The OGM calls on members to promote a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying in all forms within healthcare settings to foster a respectful and supportive work environment.”

The resident doctors further called for the immediate payment of the 2024 Medical Residency Training Fund.

“The OGM urges the government to set machinery in motion aimed at offsetting skipping arrears covering 2014, 2015, and 2016 respectively. The OGM calls on the West African Colleges of Surgeons and Physicians to look critically at reviewing its fees to enable residents to register for the updates and examinations.

“The OGM calls for the immediate payment of arrears of consequential adjustment of minimum wage as well as arrears of hazard allowances to our members

“The OGM calls on all relevant stakeholders to impress on the CMD of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja to desist from his current line of actions and expedite the legitimate recruitment process for healthcare workers to breach the massive manpower gap plaguing the institution.

“The OGM urges the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and all other relevant stakeholders to expedite the IPPIS capturing of members at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex. The OGM calls on the Federal Government to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians and meet the demands of the Labour Congress.”