The Federal Government has attributed the ongoing dispute involving the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to long-standing structural and systemic challenges within the health sector, rather than neglect or lack of commitment to workers’ welfare.

Speaking on the matter, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said the issues raised by NARD were deeply rooted in administrative bottlenecks, funding frameworks and inter-agency coordination challenges that had accumulated over the years.

According to him, the Federal Government recognises the concerns of resident doctors, particularly on matters relating to remuneration, training conditions and welfare, but stressed that many of the challenges predated the current administration.

“The challenges facing resident doctors are largely structural. They are not a result of deliberate neglect by the government. These issues are embedded in the way our health institutions are organised and financed,” Pate said.

He explained that discrepancies in salary payments, delays in allowances and training-related grievances were often linked to variations in hospital management structures, payroll systems and the autonomy exercised by teaching hospitals.

The minister noted that some health institutions operate under different governance models, which sometimes complicate the uniform implementation of agreements reached with labour unions.

“When agreements are reached at the federal level, implementation can be affected by institutional structures at the facility level. This is one of the key challenges we are addressing,” he added.

Pate said the government was engaging relevant stakeholders, including hospital management boards, regulatory bodies and labour unions, to harmonise processes and address grey areas that frequently lead to disputes.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to dialogue, describing it as the most effective tool for resolving industrial disagreements in the health sector.

“We are committed to continuous engagement with NARD and other health workers’ unions. Our focus is on sustainable solutions that will strengthen the health system and improve working conditions,” the minister said.

On concerns about possible industrial action, Pate appealed to resident doctors to exercise restraint, noting that strikes often have severe consequences for patients, particularly vulnerable groups.

He said the government was working to improve funding efficiency, institutional accountability and workforce planning as part of broader health sector reforms.

Also speaking, a senior official of the Ministry of Labour and Employment said conciliatory meetings were ongoing to address outstanding demands and prevent escalation of the dispute.

The official expressed optimism that with sustained dialogue and mutual understanding, an amicable resolution would be reached.

The Federal Government urged resident doctors to remain engaged in negotiations while reforms aimed at resolving structural challenges in the health sector continue.