The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a demand for the prompt payment of the N25,000 quarterly accoutrement allowance for medical and dental doctors working in federal public service hospitals, medical centres, and clinics.
This call was made in a communique released by NARD following its January National Executive Council meeting and health summit held in Abuja from January 30 to February 3, 2024. The theme of the summit was “Attaining Universal Health Coverage and Optimal Medical Training in the Face of a Challenging Economy; Could Technology be the Answer?”
In 2023, the Federal Government approved the payment of the said allowance, as outlined in a letter dated July 26, 2023, titled “Accoutrement allowance for medical and dental doctors in hospitals, medical centres, and clinics in federal MDAs,” signed by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the commission, Ekpo Nta.
However, NARD expressed dissatisfaction with the non-compliance of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of tertiary health institutions in commencing the payment of the approved accoutrement allowance. The association also noted a lack of adherence to the upward review of Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and other allowances.
The communique, signed by NARD’s President, Dr. Dele Abdullahi; Secretary-General, Dr. Anaduaka Christopher; and Public & Social Secretary, Dr. John Egbe, highlighted concerns about the prolonged non-payment of skipping arrears, delayed salary and promotion arrears, and the non-adoption of the reviewed CONMESS by some state governments.
NARD commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory for initiating the payment of the reviewed CONMESS, accoutrement allowance, and promotion arrears for its members under its employment. However, the association raised alarm over members at Abia State University Teaching Hospital still being paid with the 2009 CONMESS salary structure and owed 21 months’ salary arrears.
The doctors also expressed condemnation of the rising rate of assaults on its members within hospitals and called on the government to enhance security measures, especially in hospital vicinities and workplaces.
In conclusion, NARD urged the government to expedite the implementation of proposed solutions to address chronic manpower shortages and sought clarity on the recent declaration of the Federal Executive Council regarding the relief of waiver for recruitment from the Head of Service for prompt follow-up. The association also emphasized the need for the government and the Ministry of Finance to implement the upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure.
