Following the one-day public hearing organized by the National Committee on Healthcare Services to discuss bills pertaining to health services and human resources at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja; the bill proposed to amend the “National Residency Training Act 2018” was unequivocally rejected by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
Hosted on the 22nd of November as an avenue for lawmakers, stakeholders and leaders to deliberate on certain proposed health service-related bills, medical associations duly represented at the hearing only supported the proposed bills to amend the “National Tobacco Smoking (Control) Act 2015” and the “National Health Insurance Authority Act 2021” for Nigerians.
However, also not supported by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the “National Residency Training Act 2018” proposed amendment was sternly rejected by the primary body being affected by the bill – the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD). Emphatically highlighting that they were not consulted for such decision, as the current act was created by them for themselves.
“…It is crucial to emphasize that the Medical Residency Training Act was initiated by resident doctors, for resident doctors. Therefore, any decisions or amendments concerning the Act must involve us directly. After all, no one can tell our story better than we can…” ~ Dr. Osundara Tope Zenith, National President, NARD 2024.
According to a circular on this issue signed by the National NARD PRO – Dr Amobi Omoha, the circular states that the proposed amendments do nothing to promote the welfare of resident doctors. Instead, they appear to encourage brain drain at a time when Nigeria and other countries worldwide are facing significant challenges in their healthcare systems. Further emphasizing that if such proposals are allowed to stand, it would undermine the progress they – the NARD – have collectively fought for.
Calling for continued support and solidarity form the general public and professional allies, the NARD official reassures that “…NARD remains committed to safeguarding our collective interests and ensuring our voices are heard. We will continue to demand that our welfare, training, and contributions to the healthcare system are prioritized in all policymaking processes… Together, we will continue to defend the interests of resident doctors and advocate for policies that strengthen our healthcare system…”
Representatives of the association at the hearing included the National Officers Committee (NOC) Members and other leaders led by the President, Dr. Osundara Tope Zenith. While other professional medical bodies represented included the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) represented by the National Executive Council (NEC) members of MWAN-FCT, and the Vice Chairman of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors represented by the CMD from Keffi.
