Resident Doctors Demand Payment Of N25,000 Quarterly Allowance Eight Months After FG’s Approval

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, (NARD) has demanded the payment of its N25,000 quarterly allowance for medical and dental doctors in hospitals, medical centres, and clinics in the federal public service.

Recall in 2023, the Federal Government approved the payment of N25,000 allowance for medical and dental doctors in hospitals, medical centres, and clinics in the federal public service.

According to the circular dated July 26, 2023, titled, “Accoutrement allowance for medical and dental doctors in hospitals, medical centres, and clinics in federal MDAs the allowance is to be paid from the overhead budget effective June 1, 2023.

Eight months after the approval, NARD in its communique issued on Sunday at the end of its four-day National Executive Council meeting and health summit held in Abuja claimed that payment was yet to begin.

The communique jointly signed by NARD President, Dr Dele Abdullahi; Secretary-General, Dr. Anaduaka Christopher; and Public & Social Secretary, Dr John Egbe reads, “The NEC observed with dismay the non-compliance of the Federal Government and Ministry of Finance concerning the upward review of CONMESS and other allowances.

“The NEC observed with surprise the non-compliance of CMDs/MDs of tertiary health institutions to commence payment of the approved accoutrement allowance.

“The NEC observed with dissatisfaction the prolonged non-payment of skipping arrears due to her members. The NEC observed rather regrettably, the delayed payment of salary and promotion arrears of some of her members, a situation she seriously frowns at,” the communique read in part”.

The NEC noted that its members in Abia State University Teaching Hospital are paid with the 2009 CONMESS salary structure and still owed 21 months’ salary arrears with no house officers and postgraduate college accreditation.

“We call on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to mandate CMDs/MDs of all tertiary health institutions to pay the Accoutrement allowance to our members as circularised.

“The NEC demands that all state Governors adopt the reviewed CONMESS and commence the process of implementation; calls on the Federal Government to expedite payment of all salary, and promotion arrears accruable to members.

“NEC calls on the Federal Government to enhance security measures in the nation, particularly within the vicinities of hospitals and workplaces,” the statement reads.