THE Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has rejected the Federal Government’s approval of a 25% increase in the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
The association also rejected the government-approved N25,000 quarterly payment for its members.
In a circular issued today, the Chairman of the National Salary and Wages Commission, Ekpo Nta, affirmed the federal government’s approval of a quarterly accouterment allowance of N25,000 to medical and dental doctors working in government hospitals, medical centers, and clinics.
The resident doctors went on indefinite strike last week in response to the government’s refusal to meet their requests.
They are requesting quick payment of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), a 200 percent increase in the CONMESS, payment of the arrears of consequential adjustment of minimum to the excluded doctors, and payment of a new hazard allowance, among other things.
NARD today condemned the 25% pay rise as meager in a communiqué issued at the conclusion of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Lagos.
The association vowed to continue with the strike until reasonable progress has been made by the government on its demands.
The communiqué read: “NEC has resolved to vehemently reject the paltry 25% increment in the basic salary of doctors as well as the accouterment allowance, adding that her earlier demand is for full restoration of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure to its right value as at the time of the approval of the structure in 2009.”
