By Abba Auwalu Issa
Dr Dare Ishaya, the next NARD President, speaks to reporters after the physicians’ meeting in Bauchi State on September 25, 2021.
The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has chosen a new board of directors to take over the union’s leadership.
Dr. Dare Ishaya was inaugurated as the new NARD President on Saturday at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi during the doctors’ Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference.
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Dr. Edoga Chima and Dr. Buba Babangida were also sworn in as first and second Vice Presidents, respectively, while Dr. Suleiman Abiodun Isma’il was sworn in as Secretary-General.
The gathering, attended by 76 union chapters from across the country, debated on issues affecting health care delivery and member welfare, particularly those that led to the ongoing nationwide strike.
Following a critical assessment of the performances of both the federal and state governments on the issues, the doctors voted unanimously to maintain the total and indefinite strike action until their minimum demands were met.
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NARD’s new leadership takes the oath of office during their inauguration in Bauchi State.
They requested that the Federal Government guarantee payment of Medical Residency Training within 72 hours in order to restore normalcy to the health industry.
The doctors also demanded that their colleagues’ salary arrears be paid within 72 hours on the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) platform, while the migration to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) continues.
The union also demanded that the legal lawsuit against NARD is dropped and that withheld wages for August and September be paid.
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“The Federal Government should press various state governments to quickly pay arrears of salary and allowances owing our members in the state tertiary health institutions as stated above,” said a statement published at the meeting’s conclusion.
“The AGM also urges the Federal Government to explore implementing the MRTA in all training institutions in the country, including those in the states.” The AGM stated firmly, particularly to members of the public, that we are committed to the smooth operation of the health sector, but we can only do it if our welfare is given the attention it deserves.
“We, therefore, appeal to all well-meaning Nigerians to persuade the government to set aside all technicalities, as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari, and resolve the aforementioned demands in the interest of the masses and our members who are currently suffering as a result of the ongoing strike action.”