COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE 34TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF RESIDENT DOCTORS OF NIGERIA (NARD) HELD ATRANDOLPH HOTELS AND RESORTS, PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE, ON THE 13TH OF SEPTEMBER, 2014. 

Preamble: 

The National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria (NARD) held her 34th Annual General Meeting and Scientific conference on the 13th of September 2014 at the Randolph Hotels and Resorts, Port Harcourt, Rivers state. The opening ceremony featured a public lecture on "PostGraduate Medical Training and National Development-The Challenges of the past, the present and the future" delivered by Professor Princewill Stanley at the auditorium of the Ministry of Justice, Port Harcourt. Also in attendance were the Hon. Minister of Health - represented by Prof Aaron Ojule, the Executive Governor of Rivers state -represented by the Hon, Commissioner of Health, Dr. TS Parker, The Hop-Minister of Labour and Productivity - represented by 

MrsWinifred Emy-Nkwota, This was then followed by the business session, which was well attended by delegates from various centers. 

OBSERVATIONS 

A. Reappraisal of the Residency Training Program by the Federal Government: 

Delegates commend the Federal government for her efforts at reappraising the Residency Training Program with the aim of improving the quality of service delivery of health care toNigerians. Delegates also wish to encourage the Federal Government to ensure that; all stakeholders including Resident Doctors are involved in the process of re-evaluating andrestructuring of the program so as to ensure a fully functional system subsequently. 

B. The Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak: 

Delegates commended the efforts ofthe Federal, Lagos State and Rivers state Governments in the successful containment of the first and second waves of the Ebola virus Disease outbreak in Nigeria. However, concerted efforts at surveillance and capacity building should continue to ensure total containment in all parts of the country. On reopening of schools. we urge all stakeholders to take a balanced approach that is based on scientific reasons rather than unnecessary combativeness. The Government should however ensure that schools are safe enough for students and pupils to resume. 

C. Victimization of NARD members: 

Delegates noticed with dismay the victimization of NARD members following the industrial action called by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) on the 1st of July 2014, despite the reassurance by the Government that no member would be subsequently singled out forpunishment. Sadly delegates realized that doctors in the Lagos State University Teaching hospital (LASUTH) were not paid salaries for the month of August and are being told that they will also not be paid September salaries. FG through her MDAshould halt the massive sack of FMC Owerri Resident Doctors. 

D. N-on implementation of FG-NMA agreement: 

Delegates appreciate the intervention of the President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and the Senate president, David Mark, in resolving the issues that led to the July 1st NMA strike. 

We however noted that doctors in the majority of Federal Hospitals are still yet to be paid relativity arrears and that the issue of a shortfall in personnel cost still persists Resolutions After exhaustive deliberations on the issues highlighted above, the delegates resolved as follows: 

That the National Associat1on of Resident Doctors of Nigeria (NARD) be involved inthe process of mapping out strategies that would assist the government in her current drive to restructure and improve the Residency Training Program That the FG/Ministry of Health continues and improves upon her commitment to stamp the Ebola Virus disease out of Nigeria. In addition, that due consultation and information sharing is employed to ensure understanding between Government and

Stakeholders on the resumption of schools. Furthermore, Government should endeavor to provide adequate psychosocial support to parents and teachers prior toresumption of the schools. 

That the Federal government prevail upon Lagos and other state governments and relevant agencies to stop all forms of victimization of our members across the country i.e LASUTH & FMC Owerri Resident Doctors That the Federal Government should implement the terms of the agreement reached with Nigerian Doctors at the end of the last strike especially the payment of the 2 months arrears of the relativity, skipping and teaching allowance to ail our members and that the Federal Government should prevail upon the Lagos State and other State Governments to stop all forms of victimization and ensure universal applicability of agreements.

Appreciations 

. The AGM appreciates the overwhelming support and hospitality of the Rivers state government and the good people of Rivers state 

. Special thanks to the Honourable Commissioner of Health, Rivers State and all delegates for committing their time and resource to making sure the 34th AGM became a reality. 

. The AGM is also grateful to the members of the ARD UPTHfor te successful hosting of the 34th NARD AGM.

Thank You 

Signed

Dr. Prince Dan-Jumbo 

President 

Dr.Oluwajimi Sodipo