The Federal Government has clarified that the ongoing standoff with the National Association of Resident Doctors is the result of deep-seated structural and policy constraints rather than official neglect or indifference to the welfare of medical professionals. “The ongoing standoff is driven by structural and policy issues rather than neglect. “To address this, the Ministry initiated and adopted a collective bargaining approach, ensuring that doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, and other health workers negotiated together,” he added. “Resident doctors are specialists-in-training, and current regulations reserve specialist allowances for consultants. The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission has advised against extending this to residents to avoid similar claims from other health workers in training,” the Minister explained.

Source: Punch January 07, 2026 14:14 UTC