From Our Correspondent
Resident doctors at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) in Awka, Anambra State, have threatened to go on strike if the government to address their welfare issues.
The doctors issued a warning to the authorities for failing to pay their outstanding allowances and address poor working conditions.
The President of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD)-COOUTH, Dr Onyebuchi Ichoku, announced the decision after an ordinary general meeting (OGM).
TheNewsZenith reports that the association earlier issued a 21-working-day ultimatum to the government.
The association is demanding the payment of hazard allowance, medical residency training fund, and the implementation of a 25 per cent increase in basic salary, effective from July 2023.
According to Ichoku, the doctors have been struggling with harsh working conditions.
Such conditions include inadequate facilities and equipment, which have hindered their ability to provide optimal care for patients.
He noted that the hospital’s management and the state government have neglected their responsibilities.
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“They leave 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.
“Our members 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 address them immediate,” Ichoku said.
TheNewsZenith reports that the 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 situation.
Reacting, the Chief Medical Director of the institution, Dr Joe Akabuike promised to address the association’s demands.
Akabuike said the demands “are legitimate”.
He said though 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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