2,000 doctors yet to receive 7 months salary arrears despite FG claims

More than 2,000 resident doctors are yet to be paid seven months' arrears of their 25-35% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) adjustment, despite Federal Government claims that payments have been settled. National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) President Dr Mohammad Suleman disclosed this on Channels Television Friday, contradicting FG's assertion that seven of 19 demands had been addressed.

The arrears have been repeatedly delayed through service-wide vote provisions since 2023, requiring presidential intervention each year. Doctors frustrated that basic entitlements require special budget provisions instead of automatic capture.

Ongoing talks with Health Ministry continue through weekend. NARD maintains resolve for January 12 strike despite court injunction restraining industrial action. National Industrial Court ordered halt after Federal Government filed motion through Ministry of Justice.

Strike planned as total, indefinite action over unimplemented November 29 Memorandum of Understanding. Suleman questioned whether court order should override doctors' and patients' suffering from exhausted medical staff.

Should doctors proceed with strike despite court order, or does government's continued failure to pay arrears justify the industrial action?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/01/09/over-2000-resident-doctors-yet-to-receive-arrears-nard/