The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has demanded the payment of its N25,000 quarterly accoutrement allowance for medical and dental doctors in hospitals, medical centres, and clinics in the federal public service.

NARD made this known in its communique issued on Sunday at the end of its January National Executive Council meeting and health summit held in Abuja from January 30 to February 3, 2024, with the theme, “Attaining Universal Health Coverage and Optimal Medical Training in the Face of a Challenging Economy; Could Technology be the Answer?”

In 2023, the Federal Government approved the payment of N25,000 of peculiar allowance for medical and dental doctors in hospitals, medical centres, and clinics in the federal public service.

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

The letter was signed by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the commission, Ekpo Nta.

The letter partly read, “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 enquiries relating to this circular should be directed to the Commission.”

Meanwhile, NARD, in its communique signed by its President, Dr Dele Abdullahi; Secretary-General, Dr. Anaduaka Christopher; and Public & Social Secretary, Dr John Egbe, noted that Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of tertiary health institutions are yet to commence payment of the approved accoutrement allowance.

“The NEC observed with dismay the non-compliance of the Federal Government and Ministry of Finance concerning the upward review of CONMESS and other allowances.

“The NEC observed with surprise the non-compliance of CMDs/MDs of tertiary health institutions to commence payment of the approved accoutrement allowance.

“The NEC observed with dissatisfaction the prolonged non-payment of skipping arrears due to her members. The NEC observed rather regrettably, the delayed payment of salary and promotion arrears of some of her members, a situation she seriously frowns at,” the communiqué read in part.

While commending the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory for the commencement of the payment of the reviewed CONMESS, accoutrement allowance, and promotion arrears to our members under its employment, the NEC said its members in Abia State University Teaching Hospital are still paid using the 2009 CONMESS salary structure and still owed 21 months’ salary arrears with no house officers and postgraduate college accreditation.

It also condemned the increasing rate of assault on its members in hospitals.

The doctors, however, called on the government to expedite the implementation of proffered solutions to the chronic manpower shortage and give clarity to the recent declaration of the Federal Executive Council on relief of waiver for recruitment from the Head of Service for prompt follow-up.

They also want the government and the Ministry of Finance to implement the upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure.

“We call on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to mandate CMDs/MDs of all tertiary health institutions to pay the Accoutrement allowance to our members as circularised.

“The NEC demands that all state Governors adopt the reviewed CONMESS and commence the process of implementation; calls on the Federal Government to expedite payment of all salary, and promotion arrears accruable to members.

“NEC calls on the Federal Government to enhance security measures in the nation, particularly within the vicinities of hospitals and workplaces,” it added. (The PUNCH)

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