Medical doctors employed by the Edo Health Management Agency (HMA) on Thursday commenced a two-day warning strike to protest the appointment of a new executive secretary.

The doctors, operating under the aegis of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, Edo HMA branch, were kicking against the appointment of Nelson Tenebe, who is said to be related to a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in the state.

In a notification letter sent to Governor Monday Okpebholo, the association stated the decision was taken after an emergency general meeting on January 29.

The chairman and secretary of the association, Clement Ikponmwen and  Osaronse Aghimien, respectively, signed the letter.

“Following the expiration of the ultimatum issued on January 7 and the subsequent meetings we had with you, sir, we want to appreciate Your Excellency’s kind approval of Dr Christopher Eigbe Ehiagwina as the executive secretary/chief executive of the HMA during the last meeting we had with you on January 22.

“Unfortunately, sir, your directive has not been effected until now, as though your instructions are being undermined.

“This has led to great disenchantment among members after initially being told that you had given the instruction for the name to be announced and the appointment given effect.

“Arising from an emergency general meeting held on January 29, the association declared a two-day warning strike to begin 12 midnight today (Thursday) if the announcement and appointment were not given effect to as directed by Your Excellency a week ago,” the letter added.

Meanwhile, the warning strike has begun to affect healthcare services across the state, with public hospitals scaling down operations.

Non-emergency cases were being turned back, leaving patients and their families frustrated by the disruptions.

Many are said to have resorted to alternative medicine and private hospitals.

(NAN)