The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called on the Federal Government to expedite the payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Funds (MRTF), alongside the outstanding MRTF for 2023 and 2024, and the arrears from 2022.
During a press briefing following the 2025 January National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting in Abuja, themed “Empowering Doctors with Leadership and Entrepreneurship Skills: A Panacea for Universal Health Coverage and a Brighter Healthcare System,” NARD expressed disappointment over the non-payment of arrears related to the upwardly revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure and other outstanding salary components.
The NEC appreciated Chief Medical Directors who have fully disbursed the Accoutrement Allowance arrears but voiced concern over the persistent manpower shortage in many hospitals. The council acknowledged the positive strides made by Prof. John Okeniyi, CMD of Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospital Complex, in fostering industrial peace within the hospital.
Furthermore, the NEC commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, for ensuring the payment of outstanding salaries and allowances, disbursement of MRTF, and the employment of doctors in the FCT. However, the council noted with concern the continuous drift of specialized medical professionals from privately-owned teaching hospitals due to inadequate remuneration.
NARD urged the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to expedite efforts towards addressing these challenges to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system and enhance effective disaster and disease management.
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