Ilorin: The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kwara State Chapter, has called on the Federal Government to urgently address the demands of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
The Chairman of NMA in Kwara, Prof. AbdulRahman Afolabi, appealed in a statement issued after an emergency State Executive Council (SEC) meeting of the association, in Ilorin on Monday.
The resident doctors commenced an indefinite strike on Nov. 1, which has severely disrupted activities in hospitals across the country.
Afolabi affirmed that the association stood firmly with NARD, urging the government to act swiftly to resolve the lingering issues.
“The NMA, Kwara Branch, expresses profound concern over the ongoing indefinite nationwide strike embarked upon by NARD, which has significantly disrupted healthcare delivery across Nigeria.
“We stand in unwavering solidarity with our colleagues in NARD, whose decision to embark on this industrial action arises from years of unmet commitments, unfulfilled promises, and disregard for the welfare and professional dignity of Nigerian doctors,” he said.
The NMA chairman described NARD’s demands as just, reasonable, and consistent with the association’s long-standing advocacy for a reformed, adequately funded, and sustainable healthcare system in Nigeria.
According to him, the demands reflect both immediate welfare concerns and long-term structural reforms critical to sustaining the nation’s medical workforce.
Afolabi listed NARD’s key demands to include the implementation of the reviewed Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and prompt payment of all arrears arising from the 25–35 per cent upward adjustment.
He added that other demands included the immediate release and disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to all eligible resident doctors, as well as the settlement of unpaid allowances, including hazard, specialist, and consequential salary adjustments, with arrears.
“These demands are not excessive; they are rooted in equity, fairness, and the pursuit of a functional health system.
“No nation can achieve effective healthcare delivery without first safeguarding the dignity and well-being of its doctors.
“We call on the Federal Government to honour its commitments, restore industrial harmony, and prioritise the health workforce as the backbone of Nigeria’s healthcare system,” Afolabi said.