THE Association of Resident Doctors, ARD, Delta State University Teaching Hospital, has called on the Delta state government to implement the approved allowances for Medical and Dental officers in a circular issues by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission.
The call was contained in a statement signed by the president and secretary of the association, Dr. Aghogho Isaac and Dr Ogochukwu Nwachuku.
The Association disclosed in the statement that the delay in the non-implementation of the allowances has resulted in a growing disparity between medical doctors in Federal institutions and their counterparts in Delta State, with adverse implications for workforce retention, residency training, and overall healthcare service delivery.
According to the We want to draw the urgent attention of the Government to the continued non-implementation of the recently approved review of allowances for Medical and Dental Officers as contained in the circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.
“It is noteworthy that this revised Professional Allowance Table (PAT), alongside other allowance adjustments, including the Specialist Allowance Table (SAT), has already been implemented in Federal Tertiary Health Institutions (FTHIs), with a clear positive impact on the welfare and morale of medical doctors across the country.
“Regrettably, despite the availability of this policy framework and ongoing engagements by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Delta State Branch, and other stakeholders, the domestication and implementation of these approved allowances in Delta State remain outstanding.
“This delay has resulted in a growing disparity between medical doctors in Federal institutions and their counterparts in Delta State, with adverse implications for workforce retention, residency training, and overall healthcare service delivery.
“The situation has been compounded by the recent implementation of revised tax policies, which have significantly reduced the net earnings of medical doctors in the State, particularly following the erosion of previously existing call duty tax reliefs.
“The combined effect of increased taxation and non-implementation of welfare-enhancing allowances has led to a substantial decline in the real income of doctors, thereby exacerbating existing dissatisfaction within the workforce.”
The Association further calls for the immediate domestication and implementation of the revised Professional Allowance Table (PAT), and Specialist Allowance Table (SAT) to take effect from April 2026 salary.
“The development and communication of a clear, structure and time bound plan for the payment of the accumulated arrears that is currently estimated at approximately 19 months.
“While the association remains committed to constructive engagement and dialogue, the failure of the government to implement the revised PAT, and SAT by April 2026 will necessitate further actions within the state Health sector.
“The prolonged delay in addressing these issues particularly when juxtaposed with the swift implication of the policies with adverse financial implications on doctors is increasingly difficult to justify and sustain.
“We trust the government will give this matter the urgent attention it deserves in the interest of equity, workforce stability and continued quality healthcare services to the people of Delta State.”
