ARD demands full payment of CONMESS , issues ultimatum to KDSG
By Stella Kabruk Kaduna,
July 31,2023
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) Kaduna State Chapter, on Monday said it’s demands Full implementation of the new Federal Government CONMESS and SKIPPING as well as upward review with immediate effect.
President of the Association,
Dr. Mahmood Usman Rufa’i disclosed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in kaduna that the association after a
Congress unanimously decide to issue one week ultimatum to the state government starting from Friday July 28, 2023 during which Full medical services will be rendered despite the ongoing NARD Strike.
He said ARD is the Umbrella body of all Medical Doctors working under Kaduna state Ministry of Health and State Primary Healthcare Board.
“The Association as an affiliate member of National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) held a Virtual Emergency Congress meeting on Friday to scrutinize the attitude of the state government following the two weeks ultimatum given to the government on the 6th March 2023, as well as discuss Lingering challenges affecting the welfare of her members.
“For the purpose of emphasis, Failure of the government to address the above
stated challenges before the timeline of Aug.4, 2023 necessitates the Congress to embark on an indefinite strike.
He said the association held a emergency congress and observed with disappointment failure of the state government to implement Full CONMESS and SKIPPING to Doctors on state secondary health Facilities.
“As it is, these Doctors are still on 59 per cent of the Reviewed 2009 CONMESS which was implemented 2014. The Congress Further Observed that the insinuation for the Full implementation of the 2009 CONMESS has changed following the removal of fuel subsidy, Increase in fuel price and cost of living, an upward review of the CONMESS is necessary.
He also said ,the congress observed non implementation of the Reviewed Medical Residency Training Act (MRTA) as well as non-Payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) for years which help doctors on residency programme
According to him, the Congress also expressed concern that the government is yet to release circular for recruitment of new staff to replace those who have exited the various Secondary Health Facilities across the state.
“Unfortunately, Doctors in these facilities continue to suffer brain drain and burn out effect due to severe Manpower shortage occasioned by unwillingness of other doctors to come over due to poor pay and preference to State tertiary Health institutions and Federal tertiary Health institutions for better package.
“The Congress demands Immediate release of a circular for recruitment of new staff to curtail the shortage of man power in the state facilities.
He urge the state government to prioritise the provision of Adequate Medical Diagnostic Equipments, enhance security in the facilities and improved accommodations to members.
“We also demands immediate implementation of Medical Residency Training Act (MRTA) and Payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
He urged the state government to pay all outstanding salary arrears, stop unexplained deductions and immediate payment of new staff.
“We also demands immediate Implementation of the new Hazard allowance with arrears.(NAN)
