Resident doctors at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, Anambra, have commenced a seven-day warning strike to demand improved working conditions.

This was disclosed in a communique issued at the end of an emergency meeting of the Association of Resident Doctors in the institution held on Wednesday in Awka.

The communique, titled ‘Notification of Commencement of Industrial Action,’ signed by Joy Okwumuo and Chukwubuike Ifekudu, president and secretary of ARD COOUTH, respectively, stated that the strike would commence effectively at noon on Thursday.

It said that the strike followed several failed efforts to engage the Anambra government to pay the 100 per cent Medical Residency Training Fund, which it promised to pay from January 2025.

The communique also cited the non-payment of the upward-revised CONMESS salary structure, accoutrement, rural posting, specialist, and teaching allowances as reasons for the strike.

Other grievances of the association include non-payment of accumulated arrears as well as a shortage of doctors, which they claim has led to overworking of the available resident doctors.

The ARD demanded payment of the MRTF and for the government to gazette it to forestall the recurring issues of non-payment.

It also urged the government to address the shortage of health workers by employing more doctors to meet the recommended number approved by the medical colleges in each department.

“ARD COOUTH made several efforts to engage the government since the beginning of this year to ensure the realisation of the promises made that led to the suspension of previous industrial action on October 4, 2024.

“The government failed to meet the demands within the 10-day ultimatum issued by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) in its letter dated September 1.

“Having exhausted one year waiting without any positive response, ARD COOUTH regrettably resolved to commence the industrial action. The seven-day warning strike begins at 12 noon on September 11. We hope that all demands are met to prevent indefinite industrial action that might be a consequence,” it said.

ARD COOUTH called on the hospital management and other relevant bodies, including the public, to appeal to the government on the need to meet their demands soon for efficient and effective service delivery.

“ARD COOUTH wishes that these issues are resolved soon to prevent regrettable disharmony that this situation will cause in the state’s tertiary health facility. We appreciate all institutions and individuals who have consistently shown unwavering commitment to our welfare,” it said.

(NAN)