Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called on governments at all levels to abolish casualisation of doctors to ensure fair and secure employment practices.
The call was contained in a communique issued at the end of the association’s Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) and scientific conference, which were held in Kaduna.
According to the communique jointly signed by Dr Dele Abdullahi Olaitan (President), Dr Anaduaka Christopher Obinna (Secretary), and Dr Egbe John Jonah (public and social secretary), the government should implement a cap on work hours to address overwork and burnout among healthcare professionals and promote a healthier work balance.
“The OGM calls for the abolishment of the Casualization of Doctors to ensure fair and secure employment practices and also called on healthcare centres to expedite migration to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) following the employment of new residents to streamline payroll processes.
“The OGM condemns in strong terms the high handedness, violation of extant civil service rules, the serial casualisation of doctors by the CMD of FTH, Lokoja, Dr. Alabi Olatunde, and his appalling attempt at infringing on the rights and civil liberties of our members in his institution”.
The OGM called for appropriate remuneration for extra hours worked by health workers to recognise and compensate for their additional effort and expedition in the payment of the reviewed CONMESS salary while mandating that respective centres give a two-week ultimatum to all the CMDs/ MDs to pay the accrual allowance.
“The OGM reiterates its stand that assault on our members will result in the immediate withdrawal of duties till we are sure the area is safe enough for practice, and for the legislative to expedite the enactment of laws criminalising assault on healthcare professionals to provide legal protection and deterrence,” the communique reads.
Similarly, the OGM called on members to promote a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying within healthcare settings to foster a respectful and supportive work environment. The OGM observed with dismay the dearth of manpower, in hospitals across the country, with bigger centres bearing the greater brunt and its attendant burnout effect on their members.
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