NationawideE strike is imminent in federal hospitals, as the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government 21 days to meet their demands, counting from July 28.
 
As part of the decision in a communiqué issued at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the association in Calabar, on Friday, and signed by its president, Dr. Onyebueze John; Secretary General, Dr. Aneke Emmanuel; and Publicity Secretary, Dr Asinobi Ugoeze: “NARD gives the Federal Government 21 days to address these issues in totality, failing which NARD cannot continue to guarantee industrial harmony.”
 
They charged the Federal Government to make good its promise to enroll resident doctors into the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) platform without further delay, as the system comes with its benefits.
 
They rejected plans by the FG to stagnate resident doctors’ promotion, saying this was not acceptable, as it retards progress and motivation, just as it is illegal and that any attempt at same will not be tolerated.In addition, the doctors in their 16-point communiqué, said:

“The circularisation of house officer entry point is yet to be done, despite various collective agreements on same. Government should ensure the circularisation of the corrected house officers’ entry point.”Other issues raised, include “The delay in payment of salary shortfalls experienced between January and May 2017, as well as outstanding shortfalls from 2016.