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Taraba Doctors Want Government Committed to MOU, Commend Gov. Ishaku



The Association of Resident Doctors(ARD), Taraba State Chapter has urged the state government not to renege on the MOU signed with the union in September this year.

In a communique released by the President of the association, after the congress of the association, said the "Congress acknowledged and appreciate the payment of the one million-naira strike levy by the Executive Governor HE Ach Darius Dickson Ishaku."

"The Congress, however, noted and frowns at the delays and slow implementation of the other items on the signed MOU and demand commitment by the Government."

"It has unanimously agreed to give government more time till December as requested to implement the other items on the MOU of 29th September, 2020."

Part of the communique reads, "Congress, however, resolved that if by December 2020 the government should renege on its fulfilment of the September MOU, it cannot guarantee industrial harmony."

"Congress wish to commend the effort and commitments of his Excellency, Arc. Darius Dickson Ishaku to rescue the Health sector of Taraba state." 

Read full communique on Page 2

*COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF EMERGENCY VIRTUAL CONGRESS MEETING OF THE ASSOCIATION OF RESIDENT DOCTORS (ARD) TARABA STATE CHAPTER 0N THE 15TH AND 16TH NOVEMBER, 2020 AT 7:30 PM.* 

 *PREAMBLE* 

 It will be recalled that following a protracted three weeks industrial strike action embarked upon by the Association of Resident Doctors on account of lack of and unavailability of personal protective equipment, Paucity of Medical Doctors, non-payment of covid-19 inducement and hazard allowances to healthcare workers, non-implementation of 100% consolidated medical salary scale ( CONMESS), Minimum wage and skipping, Lack of Medical Internship training for House officers, Nurses and Laboratory scientist at the Taraba state specialist hospital Jalingo, lack of health insurance cover for Healthcare workers, and lack of running cost for health facilities which has mitigated the delivery of standard and qualitative Healthcare services to the indigenous people of Taraba state. Consequent upon intervention at the instance of the Commissioner of health Taraba state – Hon Dr Innocent Vakkai, Head of state civil service – Jemimah Suzy Nathan and Permanent Secretary establishment Mr William Magaji, a Memorandum of understanding (MOU) were signed on the 29th September, 2020 to commence implementation in October and that led to the suspension of the strike on 30th September 2020 by the Association. However, seven (7) weeks after the signing of the MOU and suspension of the strike, only one item on the MOU signed was implemented i.e. Payment of the strike levy of one million naira. 

 *RESOLUTION* 

Congress resolved as follows:

 1. Congress acknowledged and appreciate the payment of the one million-naira strike levy by the Executive Governor HE Ach Darius Dickson Ishaku.
2. Congress, however, noted and frowns at the delays and slow implementation of the other items on the signed MOU and demand commitment by the Government. 
3. Congress has Unanimously agreed to give government more time till December as requested to implement the other items on the MOU of 29th September, 2020.
 4. Congress, however, resolved that if by December 2020 the government should renege on its fulfilment of the September MOU, it cannot guarantee industrial Harmony.
 5. Congress wish to commend the effort and commitments of his Excellency Ach Darius Dickson Ishaku to rescue the Health sector of Taraba state.  

 *APPRECIATION* 

The congress wishes to sincerely appreciate the following:
 • The Taraba state Commissioner of health – Dr Innocent Vakkai, The Head of Civil Service- Jemimah Nathan, Permanent Secretary Establishment – Mr William Magaji for their effort and commitment. 
• Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) through the Health Senior Adviser Dr Ahmad Abdulwahab for support. • NARD President Dr Uyilawa Okhuaihesuyi, NARD VP1 Dr Arome Adejo and the NOC for their guidance, tenacity and unflinching support.
 • NMA Taraba state under the Leadership of Dr Nkantah U Edet and all our elders for support and advice.
 • ARD Taraba state Vibrant congressmen and women.  

Signed
Dr Ahmed, Gabriel Uba 
PRESIDENT 
                  
Dr Sabo Rimamde             SECRETARY

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