The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has rejected a government proposal to increase doctors’ basic salaries by 25%.
The doctors say that the proposed increase is “paltry” and that they will continue their indefinite strike until their demands are met.
NARD is demanding the complete restoration of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure to its 2009 value. They also want the government to immediately implement the One-for-One policy, which would replace departed clinical workers.
The doctors argue that the current work overload due to significant clinical staff shortage is untenable and threatens their wellbeing. They also note that the government has yet to pay the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) despite previous assurances.
In a statement, NARD said that they “After critical consideration, NEC resolved as: “To demand the payment of all salaries and arrears including the salary arrears of 2014-2016, arrears of hazard allowance, arrears of consequential adjustment of the minimum wage, and promotion arrears to our deserving members without further delay..”
The strike has been ongoing since July 5, 2023, and has caused significant disruptions to healthcare services across the country.
The government has not yet responded to NARD’s rejection of the salary increase proposal.