Resident doctors at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital in Amaku, Awka, have vowed to strike due to unpaid allowances and poor medical infrastructure at the institution.
The doctors, representing the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD)-COOUTH, have stated that if the harsh and terrible working circumstances continue, they will withdraw their services without further notice.
Onyebuchi Ichoku, president of ARD-COOUTH, stated that the decision was made at the Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) following the expiration of a 21-working-day deadline for the government to intervene.
He also stated that the requests included hazard allowance, the Medical Residency Training Fund, and the adoption of a 25% raise in basic salary beginning July 2023.
“After the expiration of the 21-working-days ultimatum given to the state government to implement the basic demands of the resident doctors or face strike action, we had an OGM where the members unanimously voted for a strike action.
“But the executive pleaded for time so we can reach out to the governor for urgent intervention.
“The OGM also called for the restoration of electricity which was disconnected about two months ago and provision of diagnostic equipment in the hospital for more effective service delivery,” he said.
Ichoku went on to say that the association had repeatedly approached management and the state government about improving working conditions. He expressed confidence that if Governor Chukwuma Soludo becomes aware of it, he will address it.
He stated that their colleagues at the federal and state levels, particularly those in the Southeast, were already benefiting.
According to him, after assessing the situation, the members decided to take immediate strike action from the OGM, but were persuaded by the leadership to provide more time and allow the state government to interfere.
According to him, poor working conditions had led in the ongoing exodus of their colleagues to outside the country and neighbouring institutions, adding that it was putting so much pressure on the existing workforce in the hospital.
“As resident doctors, we are entitled to basic allowances and funding, these entitlements are meant to ease some of our financial burdens especially at this time of severe economic hardship.
“Hazard Allowance is an extra amount of money doctors are paid for working in a hazardous environment, it is meant to encourage doctors and other health care workers to attend to patients who pose health risks to them, for example COVID-19 patients.
“For example, lassa fever which continues to claim the lives of health workers on a yearly basis.
“Medical Residency Training Fund as contained in the revised template for payment of associated allowances and course fees for medical residency training and specified by Act No 23 of medical training act 2017.
“We are also asking for a basic salary increment of 25 percent as contained in national salaries, incomes and wages commission circular of July 25, 2023.
“This circular shows that the federal government of Nigeria has approved 25 percent and 35 percent increase in the basic salary for CONMESS 6 and below and CONMESS 7 respectively,” he said.
He also stated that the ARD Congress advocated for a positive work environment, including diagnostic equipment and better call rooms for members.
Joe Akabuike, COOUTH’s Chief Medical Director, responded by saying the demands were valid and will be handled.
Akabuike stated that, while the allowances and increments had been implemented at the federal level, the state government would do so within the available means.