​Doctors ask Jonathan to lift embargo on employment

The National Association of Resident Doctors has called on the president, Goodluck Jonathan, to lift an embargo placed on the employment of doctors in Nigeria.

A statement by the national president of the association, Prince Dan-Jumbo and NARD secretary, Gbujie Daniel, said the
​failure to employ resident doctors in teaching hospitals, specialist centres and federal medical centres in the country would have a blow on gains made in the health sector if not reversed.

The association said this would worsen health indices in Nigeria.

“We urge the president to as a matter of urgency intervene in the above mentioned issues and other vital matters as it affects the health sector in ​order​ to prevent another crisis,” the statement said.

Speaking to PREMIUM TIMES, Mr. Dan-Jumbo said the federal government had for three years placed an embargo on the employment of resident doctors in government health facilities.

The association said it was worried about the non-inclusion of resident doctors in the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System despite efforts and documentation made.

“These has raised integrity issues and question the motives of the government officials tasked with this responsibility especially as the IPPIS system is aimed at checking the phenomenon of ghost workers and saving government money in the public service,” it said.

The association said the money generated from public service should be
​channeled​ to other sector​s​ or re-injected into the healthcare system.

The statement also said the attempt by some individuals in the Ministry of Health to frustrate the full implementation of 2014 agreement between the federal government and the Nigerian Medical Association will only create unnecessary discord in the health system.

“It in turn may lead to NARD exploring all possible legitimate action within her purview to prevent this fraud and sabotage,” it said.

It said the nonpayment of doctor’s salaries in Kogi, Osun, Edo and Benue States was “worrisome and inhumane”; the association called on FG to salvage the situation and prevent the extinction of residency training in Nigeria.

The association congratulated Nigeria’s president- elect, Muhammadu Buhari
​,​ on winning the 2015 election​. H​e also thank​ed​ President Goodluck Jonathan for the passage of the national health bill passed in December 2014.