BREAKING: NARD Urges FG to Implement Medical Residency Training Act

The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has once again called on the Federal Government to fully implement the Medical Residency Training Act (MRTA), which plays a crucial role in regulating residency programs in Nigerian hospitals.

The association raised concerns over the impact of the “Japa Syndrome,” a term used to describe the mass exodus of healthcare workers to other countries for better opportunities. This brain drain has severely impacted Nigeria’s health sector, leaving hospitals understaffed and overburdening the remaining medical professionals.

Speaking on behalf of NARD, the newly elected President, Dr. Tope Osundara, highlighted the growing frustration within the healthcare sector.

“We are losing our best hands to countries offering better pay and working conditions,” he said.

“If we do not act fast, the already fragile healthcare system will collapse under the weight of manpower shortages.”

Dr. Osundara made these remarks during a press briefing on Tuesday following the 44th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of NARD, held in Abeokuta. The communiqué, signed by Dr. Osundara, Dr. Amobi Omoha (Publicity and Social Secretary), and Dr. Odunbaku Kareem (General Secretary), outlined the doctors’ key demands to the government.

The NARD President stressed the need for improved welfare packages for doctors, including competitive remuneration, better working conditions, and more robust support systems.

“Doctors are not just leaving because of money; the working environment is toxic. We are stretched beyond capacity. A doctor in Nigeria sometimes has to attend to 600 patients when the WHO recommends far less,” Osundara lamented.

The Medical Residency Training Act, according to Dr. Osundara, is critical for standardizing medical training across Nigeria. He noted that residency programs could be suspended arbitrarily by Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) in the absence of this legal framework, which puts the future of medical professionals at risk.

“This act is not just about doctors. It’s about protecting the quality of healthcare delivery in Nigeria,” he said.

He further pointed out that the lack of proper funding has made it difficult for resident doctors to undergo adequate training.

“We cannot be expected to fund our training out of pocket while also providing services and conducting research. The government must take responsibility,” Osundara urged.

Another issue raised at the AGM was the outstanding payments to doctors, including arrears of the accoutrement allowance and the upwardly revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS). NARD urged the Federal Government to ensure the immediate payment of these outstanding arrears through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), as approved in June 2024.

“The delay in the payment of arrears is demoralizing. Doctors are not machines; we have families and obligations. This issue must be resolved without further delay,” said Dr. Omoha.

In addition to financial concerns, NARD also called on the government and security agencies to do more to protect healthcare workers. Dr. Osundara made an emotional appeal for the release of Dr. Popoola Ganiyat, who was kidnapped in Kaduna last year.

“We appreciate the efforts of the security forces, but we must ensure the safe return of our colleague. It is heartbreaking that a doctor, dedicated to saving lives, is in captivity,” he said.

NARD also criticised the actions of some CMDs, particularly at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Lokoja and the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex in Ile-Ife, for what they described as “anti-resident policies.” These policies, according to the association, are making life difficult for resident doctors.

“The high-handedness of some CMDs is pushing doctors out of the system. We are calling on the government to step in and address these anti-resident policies before it is too late,” warned Dr. Odunbaku Kareem, NARD’s General Secretary.

The association concluded by urging the government to act swiftly to resolve these issues and ensure the survival of Nigeria’s healthcare sector.