The resident doctors at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) in Anambra have threatened to embark on strike over unpaid allowances and poor working conditions imposed by the state government.
In a stern warning, the doctors have made it clear that 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 were 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 had been struggling with harsh working conditions, including inadequate facilities and equipment, which had hindered their ability to provide optimal care to patients.
The doctors said: “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 had heightened tension in the state since 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 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. (Nation)