The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced a new National Policy on the Engagement of Locum, aimed at regulating the recruitment, working conditions, remuneration and welfare of temporary healthcare personnel in Nigeria.
The development followed the work of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoHSW) Committee on Regulation and Casualization of Doctors.
In an update to its members, signed by NARD Publicity Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, the association said the policy was developed following “extensive consultations” and was designed to ensure “fair, transparent and non-exploitative engagement of temporary healthcare personnel.”
Under the proposed policy, locum engagement must be based on an identified staffing gap and approved by the appropriate hospital authorities.
Initial locum contracts will not exceed six months, with only one additional six-month renewal permitted.
The policy further provides that continuous engagement for 12 months will make the position eligible for permanent appointment.
On working hours, the policy limits healthcare personnel to a maximum of 48 hours per week, including weekends, while excess hours must be appropriately compensated.
It also prohibits healthcare workers from working beyond 24 continuous hours, including call duty.
The policy mandates a minimum of 12 hours between shifts and a 24-hour post-call rest period after both weekday and weekend calls. It also provides for a one-hour break after six hours of continuous work.
On call duties, healthcare personnel will be limited to a maximum of two calls per week and one weekend call per month, with calls to be distributed equitably.
The policy also provides for standardised remuneration in line with the government’s Scheme of Service.
“Remuneration must be paid monthly without delay, accompanied by monthly payslips,” the document stated.
It added that locum workers would be entitled to government-approved leave, public holidays and occupational insurance coverage.
The policy further requires excess working hours to be documented, monitored and adequately compensated or balanced with structured time off.
It also prohibits institutions from using locum engagement as a permanent replacement for substantive recruitment or as a means of exploiting healthcare workers.
“All locum workers must undergo mandatory orientation and integration into their respective clinical or administrative teams,” the policy stated.
It added that institutions must provide a safe working environment, adequate call rooms, refreshments during prolonged calls or shifts, and burnout prevention programmes.
On discipline and grievances, the policy states that professional misconduct will be handled in accordance with the relevant regulatory council guidelines.
Contracts may be terminated by either party with one month’s notice or payment in lieu, while all accrued entitlements must be settled within 14 days of termination.
Disputes are to be addressed through institutional mechanisms and may be escalated to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
The policy also mandates the ministry to monitor institutions to ensure compliance and prevent exploitative staffing practices in line with Nigerian labour laws.
According to NARD, the policy will become legally binding on the date it is approved by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
It will also undergo a comprehensive review within two years of implementation to ensure its continued relevance.
NARD described the development as a major achievement in its efforts to protect doctors and other healthcare workers.
The association expressed appreciation to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, for the approval, and to the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, for his guidance.
It also commended members of the NARD committee involved in developing the policy, including its Vice-President II, Dr. Kwarshak Kevin Yakubu, and Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim.
“NARD is particularly proud of this accomplishment and proves once again what we can achieve when we come together as a team,” the statement said.
The association added: “NARD remains committed to protecting the dignity, welfare, rights and professional interests of every Nigerian doctor.”
It expressed hope that the National Council on Health would also approve the policy.
(SaharaReporters)