By Victoria Nnakaike
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Kogi State Specialist Hospital (KSSH), Lokoja, has called the attention of the State Government to the expiration of the 21 days ultimatum given to it to meet its demands.
The association had on Aug. 9 issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Kogi Government to meet its demands or be ready for an indefinite industrial action, after suspending its two-day strike directed by the National Association of
Resident Doctors (NARD). The ultimatum was to give room for dialogue and engagement with the state government.
The notification was given in a statement jointly signed by the ARD KSSH’s President, Ameh Friday, and Secretary General, Peter Samuel, and made available to journalists on Saturday in Lokoja.
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”The ARD KSSH wishes to state that today makes it 21 days since its last communique and one month since it suspended its industrial action as directed by the National Body – NARD – for government to look into some of its pressing demands as listed below”.
“Having examined the inertia that has greeted our requests also keeping in view of our previous failure to join the national directive to suspend service delivery because of our commitment to the client and State Government which unfortunately has never been appreciated.
“We will like to remind government of our modest demands once more. “Upward review of CONMESS 2014 to CONMESS 2023, and approval of Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023).
“Review of hazard allowance as released by the National Salary, Income and Wages Commission, 22nd December, 2021, and implementation and cash backing of promotion as well as the statutory Annual Increments with payment of arrears of both annual increments and promotion,” it said.
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The association stressed that the statement would serve as a reminder of its initial communique.
The association emphasised that the morale of its members in the Kogi State Specialist Hospital is at an all-time low with respect to their concerns; unfortunately, the hospital’s working environment, coupled with the unpalatable economic realities have further worsened the already sour situation.
“The ARD will convoke a Congress meeting in seven days from now to have an appraisal of the progress made so far and take a decision on all its demands,” the association further stated.
