Amanze Chinonye
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has concluded high-level talks with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to finalise the payment process for outstanding welfare packages owed to resident doctors, a move expected to ease mounting concerns over delayed entitlements and improve morale across Nigeria’s public health sector, Prime Business Africa reports.
The meeting, held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, brought together the leadership of NARD, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, to accelerate the release of the outstanding payments.
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According to a statement issued by NARD’s Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, discussions focused on the immediate disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), as well as securing cash backing for promotion arrears and outstanding salary arrears affecting resident doctors at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo; Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC); University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH); and the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Otukpo (FUHSTH).
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The association also commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for promptly transmitting the list of eligible resident doctors for the 2026 MRTF to the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation before forwarding it to the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), describing the process as timely and efficient.
Responding, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Salako, assured the association that the payment process for the 2026 MRTF, promotion arrears and outstanding salary arrears would be expedited.
The breakthrough is expected to provide financial relief for affected resident doctors while reinforcing ongoing efforts to improve welfare conditions in the country’s health sector. Timely payment of the outstanding entitlements is also seen as critical to sustaining the morale of medical personnel and reducing industrial tensions that have periodically disrupted healthcare service delivery.
NARD appealed to its members to remain calm and patient, assuring them that the association would continue engaging with the Federal Government until all outstanding welfare obligations are fully settled.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
