Federal Government's N25,000 Allowance for Resident Doctors Amid Ongoing Strike

Amidst the ongoing indefinite strike initiated by the National Association of Resident Doctors, the Federal Government has responded with a significant measure. They have approved a distinctive allowance of twenty-five thousand naira (N25,000) to be disbursed to medical and dental doctors who are currently serving in hospitals, medical centers, and clinics within the federal public service.

The disclosure occurred in a letter dated July 26, 2023, titled, “Accoutrement allowance for medical and dental doctors in hospitals, medical centres, and clinics in federal MDAs.”

Ekpo Nta, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the commission, personally signed the letter.

The letter reads, “The Federal Government has approved the payment of an Accoutrement allowance of twenty-five naira (N25,000.00) per quarter to Medical and Dental Doctors in hospitals, medical centres, and clinics in the Federal Public Service. The allowance is to be paid from the overhead budget.The approval takes effect from June 1, 2023. All enquires relating to this circular should be directed to the Commission.”

Furthermore, in an endeavor to address some of the demands put forth by the striking doctors, the government has taken action by releasing several circulars.

One of these circulars focuses on the "Review of CONMESS (Consolidated Medical Salary Structure)," which proposes a 25% increase for grades CONMESS one to six (1-6) and a 35% increase for grade CONMESS seven (7).

In addition to that, another circular has been issued concerning the "Review of CONHESS (Consolidated Health Salary Structure)." According to this circular, there will be a 25% increase for grades CONHESS one to fourteen (1-14) and a 35% increase for grade CONHESS fifteen (15).

Moreover, responding to the concerns of doctors working outside hospitals, a dedicated circular has been issued to address the issue of Hazard Allowance.

These proactive measures serve to underscore the government's dedication to a resolution of  the current crisis and enhancing the working conditions and compensation for healthcare professionals all around the nation.

It is anticipated that these initiatives will play a major and pivotal role in resolving the strike and forging a path towards significantly enhanced healthcare services for all citizens.

Bearing  In Mind 

Earlier this week, the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) declared an indefinite strike due to the government's failure to meet several demands. These demands include the release of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), a review of the consolidated medical salary structure, and the payment of arrears from 2014, 2015, and 2016, among others. 

During a meeting with the leadership of NARD, the Speaker of the House of Representatives had previously urged the members to grant a two-week grace period.

Resident Doctors are medical professionals undergoing specialized training in various fields of medicine, and their numbers in the country range from 9,000 to 10,000. Nigeria has been grappling with a brain drain as medical practitioners continue to leave the country, with approximately 50 doctors emigrating each week, as reported by the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA).