Resident doctors give FG 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government over unresolved issues affecting healthcare workers, including insecurity, unpaid salaries, and poor working conditions across public hospitals in Nigeria.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) issued the ultimatum following its Ordinary General Meeting and Scientific Conference held in Kano, where members raised concerns over the increasing dangers faced by medical personnel in the country.
According to the association, resident doctors give FG 21-day ultimatum due to worsening cases of kidnappings, attacks, intimidation, and harassment targeting healthcare workers.
NARD warned that doctors are now working under fear, with some reportedly attacked while commuting or carrying out their duties.
The association stated that the ongoing insecurity is not only endangering lives but also weakening Nigeria’s already stretched healthcare system.
In addition to security concerns, resident doctors give FG 21-day ultimatum over unpaid entitlements affecting members across the country.
NARD listed several demands, including payment of salary arrears, promotion arrears, outstanding allowances, and the immediate release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund.
The doctors also demanded improved welfare for resident doctors and house officers, insisting that delays in payments and poor working conditions are reducing morale and affecting service delivery in hospitals.
NARD further called on the Federal Government to establish a strong national framework for the protection of healthcare workers and medical facilities.
The association stressed that perpetrators of attacks and kidnappings must be investigated, arrested, and prosecuted without delay.
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The group also urged the government to recruit more healthcare workers to address severe manpower shortages in public hospitals.
According to NARD, many hospitals are currently overwhelmed, forcing doctors to handle excessive workloads while serving millions of patients.
The association warned that the continued neglect of these issues is contributing to the growing migration of medical professionals abroad in search of better opportunities and safer environments.
While no strike action has been announced yet, NARD maintained that resident doctors give FG 21-day ultimatum as a final warning, stating that failure to meet its demands within the deadline could disrupt industrial harmony in the health sector.
As the countdown begins, attention now shifts to the Federal Government’s response and whether urgent action will be taken to address the concerns raised by the association.
