Anambra resident doctors threaten strike over unpaid allowances, poor working conditions
Health
By Our correspondent
Resident doctors at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) in Awka, Anambra State, have issued a stern warning to the authorities, threatening to embark on a strike if their outstanding allowances are not paid and poor working conditions persist.
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD)-COOUTH, led by President Dr. Onyebuchi Ichoku, announced the decision after an Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) following the expiration of a 21-working-day ultimatum issued to the government.
The doctors had demanded the payment of hazard allowance, Medical Residency Training Fund, and the implementation of a 25% increase in basic salary, effective from July 2023.
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.
He emphasized that the hospital’s management and the state government have been neglecting their responsibilities, leaving the doctors with no choice but to consider strike action.
“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 threatened strike action has raised concerns about the potential impact on healthcare services in the state.
Patients and relatives have expressed anxiety about the possibility of being left without medical attention, especially in emergency situations.
The hospital authorities and government have been urged to address the doctors’ grievances to avert a crisis in the health sector.
The Anambra State Government has been accused of neglecting the healthcare system, leading to a shortage of medical personnel, equipment, and facilities.
The government has promised to improve healthcare services, but the resident doctors say they have seen little progress.
As the deadline for the strike approaches, tensions are high, and the fate of healthcare services in Anambra State hangs in the balance.
“The government and hospital management must act swiftly to address the doctors’ demands and prevent a strike that could have far-reaching consequences for the people of Anambra State, a concerned resident said.
Reacting, the Chief Medical Director of the institution,Dr Joe Akabuike said the demands were legitimate and would be addressed.
Akabuike said though the allowances and increment had been implemented at the Federal level, the state government would do so within the limit of resources available.
