The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has set a two-week deadline for the government to unconditionally release Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, who was abducted seven months ago at the Senior Staff Quarters of the National Eye Centre in Kaduna.
NARD has warned that if Dr. Popoola’s release is not secured within the stipulated time frame, there will be disruptions in industrial harmony.
This ultimatum was communicated in a communique following the National Executive Council meeting held in Katsina from July 22 to 27.
The theme of the meeting was ‘The Nigerian economy and its impact on residency training: Challenges and Opportunities for a Robust healthcare system.’ The communique was signed by the association’s President, Dr. Dele Abdullahi, the Secretary-General, Dr. Christopher Anaduaka, and the Public and Social Secretary, Dr. John Egbe.
Dr. Popoola, along with her husband Squadron leader Nurudeen Popoola and her nephew Folaranmi Abdul-Mugniy, was abducted on December 27, 2023. While her husband was released on March 8, 2024, after negotiations with the kidnappers, Dr. Popoola and Abdul-Mugniy remain in captivity.
The association expressed concerns over persistent manpower shortages in the healthcare sector, the casualization of its members in various health institutions, and the non-payment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure arrears for its members post-implementation in February 2024.
The association is advocating for urgent action to address these issues to safeguard the welfare of its members and ensure a robust healthcare system.
The communique partly read, “The NEC seriously frowned at the alarming increase in insecurities: Kidnapping and assault on doctors, threaten our very existence. The NEC observed with despair that our dear colleague, Dr Ganiyat Popoola and her nephew are still held in captivity for over seven months in inhumane conditions.
“The NEC decried their failing health while under captivity and the little to no efforts by the security agents to salvage the situation.
“The NEC decried the nonchalant attitude of the Kaduna state government to the travails of our colleague and her nephew.
“The NEC appreciates the government for the quick payment of 2024 MRTF albeit noticed that some centres and individuals are yet to receive payment.
“The NEC decries the unresolved outstanding issues of MRTF 2023, 2022, and 2021. The NEC observed with appreciation the promise made by the Governor of Abia state, Dr Alex Otti to pay an extra month’s salary every month to clear the 21 months owed salaries arrears of the ABSUTH Staff,”
The National Economic Council (NEC) urged the Ministry of Health to accelerate the issuance of waivers to address the severe staffing shortages in healthcare facilities.
Additionally, the NEC called for measures to prevent burnout among healthcare workers, including limiting their working hours and providing extra compensation for overtime worked.
