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CONMESS: NARD Threatens Industrial Disharmony From May 13

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1 year ago

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The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to increase the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) or face a nationwide industrial disharmony upon expiration on May 13.
NARD said the agitation followed, among other things, the overall dwindling and scourging economic situation of the country.
The association revealed this in a communique issued at the end of the Extraordinary Council Meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) held in Abeokuta, Ogun state, at the Weekend.
A communique, jointly signed by the President, Dr Innocent Orji, the Secretary-General, Dr Kelechi Chikezie, and the Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr Musa Umar, and made available to newsmen insisted that the increment should be to the tune of 200 percent of the current gross salary of doctors and in addition to the new allowances included in the letter written to the Minister of Health in 2022 for the review of CONMESS.
NARD expressed regret that the Federal Government had remained silent despite several engagements with it on the need to upwardly review CONMESS, which it said was last reviewed over 10 years ago.
The communique said, “the Federal Government has neither called NARD to the negotiation table, nor taken any tangible step in addressing the issue.
“This is against the background of the dwindling economic situation in the country, the serial abysmal decline in the value of the Naira, the imminent removal of fuel subsidy and the consequent damaging effect on the cost of living in the country.
“There have been previous ultimatums issued to the government by NARD on account of this problem of the review of the CONMESS salary structure.”
It added that the previous Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) on CONMESS stated clearly that the salary structure would be due for review after five years, but this has not been done since the implementation in 2014, though the approval was given in 2009.
“NEC has resolved to issue the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum beginning on Saturday, April 29, to resolve all these demands, following the expiration of which on May 13, we may not be able to guarantee industrial harmony in the sector nationwide”.
NARD demanded the immediate payment of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) in line with the agreements reached at the stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Federal Ministry of Health.
It also demanded the commencement of payment of all salary arrears owed to its members including 2014, 2015 and 2016 salary arrears, as well as areas of the consequential adjustment of the minimum wage.
“NEC regrettably observed that many state governors are yet to implement the appropriate CONMESS structure, domesticate the Medical Residency Training Act (MRTA), or improve on the hazard allowance paid to our colleagues and other health workers, while owing a backlog of salary arrears to our members.
“NEC seriously frowned at these negative developments in the states which have lingered for a long time now, wondering how such state governors get to sleep at night seeing that they are endangering the lives of the citizens of their various states.”
NARD further urged the immediate implementation of CONMESS, domestication of MRTA, and review of hazard allowance by all the state governments as well as Private Tertiary Health Institutions where any form of residency training is done.
By: Lady Godknows Ogbulu
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Rivers

NYCOP Calls For Peace, Unity … Sympathizes With IYC 

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3 days ago

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October 1, 2024

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The President of National Youth Council of Ogoni (NYCOP), Comrade Nwibani Raymond Marcus, has called for peace and unity within the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) of Nigeria.
In a statement signed by the NYCOP President, he expressed sadness over the bloodshed that marred the Eastern Zone election of the IYC in Port Harcourt.
“As Ogonis, we share a deep bond with our Ijaw brothers, forged through our shared history and struggles as oldest settlers in the Niger Delta region.
“The recent violence within the Ijaw Youth Council’s Eastern Zone election in Port Harcourt troubles us. We cannot stand idly by while properties are being burnt. It’s on record that lives were lost and properties worth millions destroyed.
“As brothers, we implore all parties to seek peaceful resolution in settling differences amicably. The struggle for freedom and environmental justice that unites us (IYC) must not be derailed by violence
“Let us work together towards reconciliation, justice, and prosperity”, Marcus said.
He called on all stakeholders of Ijaw land to embrace  peaceful resolution mechanisms, respect the sanctity of human life, urging all to foster unity, understanding and reconciliation.
“All stakeholders should engage in constructive discussions to address grievances peacefully. We must prioritize the well-being of the Ijaw community.
“As NYCOP, we stand in solidarity with our Ijaw brothers, offering support and guidance towards a peaceful resolution”, he said.
Kiadum Edookor
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Rivers

RSG Restates Commitment To Quality Health Care  … Begins Free Malaria Commodities Distribution To communities 

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3 days ago

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October 1, 2024

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The Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Professor Ngozi Ordu, says the vision of Governor Siminalayi Fubara-led administration is to change the narrative in the health sector and ensure the provision of quality healthcare service delivery for residents in the state.
Professor Ordu stated this during the official flag off ceremony of the distribution of free malaria commodities at comprehensive health centre, Oyigbo, in Oyigbo Local Government Area of the state.
She said health care is the top priority agenda of the present administration.
The State Deputy Governor, who described malaria as a disease that has plagued humanity and devastated communities, especially in the sub-sahara region of Africa, also called for a sustainable collaboration between various stakeholders and partnership groups to enhance collective interventions with a view to ensuring the reduction of malaria burden in the state.
On her part the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, said the flag-off  of the distribution of free malaria commodities initiative marks a significant milestone in the ongoing fight against malaria.
She also said Rivers State is committed to zero malaria for the safety of expertrate investors and all residents in the state.
Dr. Oreh, who noted that malaria remains a major public health challenge in the country, said Governor Siminalayi Fubara is committed to ensuring that every individual has access to effective prevention and treatment which has culminated in the distribution of free commodities in all medical facilities across the state.
Earlier in his goodwill message, the representative of the world Health Organisation (WHO), Professor Babatunde Olushiye, commended the Rivers State Government for the giant strides recorded in the health sector, stressing that the flag-off ceremony of the free commodities distribution is a testament to the commitment of the state government towards ensuring the eradication of malaria in the state.
Professor Olushiye underscored sustained collaborative efforts amongst development partners and the State Government to stamp out malaria and other preventable diseases in the state and assured the government of its sustain support to reduce drastically the scourge of malaria in the state.
The event was attended by top government functionaries, traditional rulers, medical practitioners Development partners, among others.
John Bibor
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Rivers

‘UPTH Has Capacity To Treat Ovarian Cancer’

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3 days ago

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October 1, 2024

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The Management of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) says the hospital has the capacity to diagnose and treat ovarian cancer in women
The hospital appealed to patients with a suspected cases of ovarian cancer to seek early medical attention in the hospital than indulging in self medication.
A Consultant Gyneaurologist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G), Prof Nyengidiki Kennedy, stated this during the hospital’s “Hospital Grand Rounds” with its theme, “Management of Infra Renal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Co- existing with a huge Ovarian mass, a multidisciplinary team approach”, at the weekend.
He urged patients to desist from attributing most abdominal pains to ulcer, but seek early diagnosis in hospital for proper treatment.
According to him, patients with cases of undiagnosed ulcer and ovarian mass do not have specific symptoms, but that ulcer cases can be treated within one to two months, if properly managed.
“Earlier stage of ovarian cancer can be treated here in UPTH. Patients with prolonged ulcer cases should seek medical treatment in the hospital.
“UPTH has  the capacity, technical know-how and equipment to diagnose and treat ovarian cancer”, he stated.
On the possible causes of the disease, the consultant attributed it to family history, long ovulation and ovarian malignant.
“As a predisposing factor”, he said, “cases of hypertension, smoking, trauma, and genetics could cause the disease in women”.
Earlier, Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), UPTH, Prof Datonye Alasia, called for more preventive measures on cases of ovarian mass or cancer.
He appealed to patients with prolonged ulcer cases to seek medical intervention earlier in recognized hospitals than quacks.
The UPTH Grand Rounds, he said, is to share and improve knowledge amongst experts: Doctors, Nurses and other health workers in the hospital
“We need multiple departmental collaboration to ensure that patients get the best in terms of treatment in the hospital”, he said.
He explained that sometimes ovarian cancer present multiple diseases such as hypertension, anemia and stomach pains to patients.
He urged patients, especially women with suspected cases of prolonged ulcer, to go for periodic checks for earlier diagnosis.
Chinedu Wosu
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