Health

FG, NARD Commence Discussions on Demands

By Web News 886

The Federal Government has commenced discussions with the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors over the demands of the doctors.

The Publicity Secretary of NARD, Dr. Yusuf Alfa, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen.

The resident doctors had on July 30, 2022, issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to implement all the agreements it had with the association or it will embark on an indefinite strike.

The doctors are asking the Federal Government to expedite action on the payment of the newly reviewed Medical Residency Training Fund to enable its members to meet up with the closing date of examination registration as advertised by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.

They are also demanding the immediate implementation and payment of the new hazard allowance and arrears as contained in the circular from the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission.

NARD is seeking the payment of the skipping arrears for 2014, 2015, and 2016 to deserving members; the immediate payment of consequential adjustment of the minimum wage to members who have been deprived since it was implemented several years ago.

Other demands include an immediate review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure and other related allowances given the current economic situation in the country; payment of salary arrears for doctors in Abia (26 months), Imo (10 months), Ondo (five months), Ekiti (three months), and Gombe (two months) states; among others.

Meanwhile, Dr. Alfa said the association is meeting with government officials regarding its demands.

 “We are meeting with government officials but not directly a round-table discussion that involves everybody. We are meeting government officials as regards how to solve the issues before the expiration of the ultimatum.

“So far, so good, we are getting some positive responses from those we are meeting but it has not transmitted to what we want. On the state governors owing our members months of salaries, some of them promised to pay part of it but nothing has been done.

“As regards the hazard allowance, and Medical Residency Training Fund, there is some progress being made even though it’s slow but we will hope that all of these are resolved before the expiration of our ultimatum.

“We have gotten some circulars regarding the MRTF but the monetary aspect of it is yet to come. For the hazard allowance, the process is ongoing but we have not seen anything regarding the payment yet.”

When contacted for comments, the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire did not respond to calls or the text message sent to him as of the time of filing this report.

Punch/Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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News

Meet ASUU demands – NANS tells Federal Government

By Web News 581

Students of various higher institutions in Ekiti State have decried effects of the ongoing strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU on their studies.

The students from the Ekiti State University, EKSU, Bamidele Olumilua University of Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti stated this in Ado Ekiti during a peaceful protest over the prolonged ASUU strike.

The students barricaded all major routes in the state capital which led to traffic jams.

Two of the students, Olaiya Aje and Tope Ogunleye said it was unfortunate the federal government signed agreement it could not implement with ASUU.

They were of the opinion that the strike would have negative impact on them and the Nation’s education system.

They posited that the strike would increase their stay on their varit campuses, thereby having negative impact on their future.

Addressing the students, the president, NationaI Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Mr Sunday Asefon blamed federal government on its failure to meet the demands of the university lecturers.

Mr Asefon made it clear that, the nationwide protest would continue until federal government accedes to the requests of ASUU.

He told the students that they would relocate to the main gate of EKSU on Friday.

Amos Ogunrinde

Health

Patients In Ogun Advocate Urgent Implementation Of Doctors’ Demand

By Web News 680

Patients at the Federal Medical Centre, Idi Aba, Abeokuta have appealed to the Federal government to fast track the implementation of the agreement reached with residents’ doctors to avoid another strike.

They made the call while speaking with Radio Nigeria in Abeokuta on the suspension of the strike embarked upon by resident doctors

A trader, Mrs Taiwo Ajala who commended both parties for reaching a consensus  said there was the need to government to design a mechanism to avert incessant industrial action in the health sector.

Mrs Ajani who described the striking period as devastating said the residents doctors had been attending to patients.

Also, a commercial driver, Mr Idowu Tanimola who brought his relative said he was pleased with the resumption of the doctors.

Radio Nigeria correspondent who visited the tertiary institution reports that normal medical and health care services have resumed.

The Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre,  Professor Adewale Musa-Olomu who also monitored the resumption of duty by the doctors expressed satisfaction with the latest development.

Olusegun Folarin