Posted on: Fri 04-08-2023

To: 

All CMDs/MDs

Federal Tertiary Hospitals

RE: INCESSANT STRIKE ACTION BY THE NIGERIA ASSOCIATION OF RESIDENT DOCTORS (NARD): IMPLEMENTATION OF “NO WORK, NO PAY” POLICY OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT 

You may recall that the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) had in a letter Ref. No. NARD/SG/2022-2023/050723/459; dated 5th July, 2023 extended its expired ultimatum by another two (2) weeks effective from Wednesday, 5th July, 2023 and that at the expiration of the extended ultimatum on Wednesday, 19th July, 2023 if all the demands are not met, NARD will not guarantee industrial harmony in the health sector. On the 26th of July, 2023 NARD embarked on an indefinite strike over their agitated issues despite concerted efforts by the Government. 

Some of the key demands of NARD are:

i. Immediate payment of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF);

ii. Immediate implementation of a minimum of 200% increment in CONMESS and the upward review of associated allowances 

iii. Payment of outstanding arrears of consequential adjustment, hazard allowance and skipping allowance. 

iv. The immediate release and implementation of the guidelines on one-for-one replacement of clinical staff

v. The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to discontinue the downgrading of the membership certificate issued by the West African Postgraduate Medical and Surgical Colleges. 

vi. Payment of salary arrears, implementation of CONMESS and new Hazard allowance and domestication of MRTA and payment of MRTF to members in State Tertiary Health Institutions. 

2. The various conciliatory meetings by the Federal ministry of Health, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment with Government stakeholders, Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the National Assembly has proved abortive in getting NARD to call off their indefinite strike action. 

3. I am directed to inform you that the Federal Ministry of Health has instituted the policy of “NO WORK, NO PAY” against the Striking Resident Doctors in line with Circular Ref. No.58598/S.I/II/182 dated 22nd June, 2016. 

4. I am further directed to request you to maintain an attendance register of all Residents willing to work and furnish the Ministry of such names on a monthly basis. 

5. Please, accept the assurances of my warm regards. 

Signed:

Dr. Andrew Noah

Director Hospital Services 

For: Permanent Secretary 

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