FG Explains Why Resident Doctors Cannot Receive Special Allowances

The federal government has clarified that existing civil service regulations do not allow for special allowances for resident doctors, who are considered specialists-in-training. According to the government, the special benefits and consultant status sought by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) are reserved exclusively for certified consultants.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, provided the explanation while addressing key issues contributing to tensions between the government and resident doctors. In a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun, Dr. Salako warned that granting the requested allowances could trigger similar demands from other professional groups in training, a situation the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission has advised against.

Dr. Salako also emphasized that the government cannot intervene in procedures regulated by independent professional bodies. He addressed allegations that the Federal Ministry of Health was responsible for delays in issuing certificates, noting that the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN), which supervises specialist medical training, does not award certificates after Part I examinations. He stressed that this is an established policy outside ministerial authority.

“The claim that government is delaying certificates is not accurate. The Postgraduate Medical College does not issue certificates for Part I, and that is its established policy. We cannot override that process,” the Minister said.

Despite these clarifications, Dr. Salako assured that the government remains committed to resolving legitimate concerns within the law, highlighting that ongoing discussions with NARD have reduced outstanding demands from 19 to nine.