TheCable

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has extended its ultimatum to embark on strike by two weeks.

NARD had on July 30 served the federal government a two-week ultimatum to implement the agreement reached on the welfare of its members.

At the expiration of the deadline on August 14, the association shifted its decision till after its extraordinary NEC meeting.

Addressing journalists after the meeting on Sunday in Ilorin, Kwara state capital, Godiya Ishaya, NARD president, said the association has decided to extend the ultimatum by two weeks.

According to him, the decision is a “show of goodwill” from the association after observing the federal government’s efforts.

“The E-NEC resolves to further extend our ultimatum by another two weeks after observing the Federal Government’s efforts as a show of goodwill from NARD,” Ishaya said.

“This we believe will give the Federal Government adequate time to substantiate their efforts with results which will avert industrial disharmony.”

He urged the federal government to urgently implement and commence payment of the 2022 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to members using the old template.

He added that NARD would continue to work closely with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) towards the implementation and payment of the new hazard allowance to all affected healthcare workers.

Ishaya commended the efforts made by the federal ministries of health, labour and employment, as well as the National Salaries Income and Wages Commission, towards the upward review of the MRTF.