JUST IN: Doctors Threaten Strike, Demand Settlement

The resident doctors at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) in Anambra have threatened to embark on a strike.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the doctors issued a stern warning over unpaid allowances and poor working conditions imposed by the state government.

The doctors have made it clear they will proceed with the strike if their demands are not addressed.

The decision followed the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum issued to the government, which passed without any significant response.

The announcement was made by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), led by its President, Dr. Onyebuchi Ichoku.

The doctors’ demands include the payment of hazard allowance, Medical Residency Training Fund, and the implementation of a 25% increase in basic salary, effective from July 2023.

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According to Dr. Ichoku, the doctors have been struggling with harsh working conditions, including inadequate facilities and equipment, which have hindered their ability to provide optimal care to patients.

“We have been patient and have given the government enough time to address our grievances, but unfortunately, they have failed to do so,” Dr. Ichoku said. “We cannot continue to work under these difficult conditions, risking our lives and those of our patients. We urge the government to take our demands seriously and take immediate action to address them.”

The threat by the resident doctors has heightened tension in the state, as the masses would be the ones to suffer the consequences.

However, in his reaction, the Chief Medical Director of the institution, Dr. Joe Akabuike, said the demands were legitimate and would be addressed.

Akabuike noted that while the allowances and increments had been implemented at the federal level, the state government would do so within the limit of resources available.

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Stephen Jesuwale

Jesuwale Stephen is a journalist who finished from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism. He is a distinctive writer, media strategist and also a Digital Marketer