UNTH RESIDENT DOCTORS ON STRIKE FOR INADEQUATE FACILITIES AND WELLBEING

The Association of Resident Doctors, ARD, at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, UNTH, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, has begun a one-week strike.

The doctors began the strike today, Wednesday, citing the claimed failure of hospital management to provide basic services in the federally run hospital.

The strike was authorized during an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) of the Congress.

Dr. Chinazom Ekwueme, President of the Association, and Dr. Santos Ezeh, Secretary of the Association, signed a communiqué to that effect, which was made available to press in Enugu.

According to the ARD, multiple ultimatums were issued to management in the past, but no effective action was taken.

It said there had been "growing agitation of our members on the Government Integrated Financial Management System (GIFMIS) Platform (locum doctors). At that EGM, our demands for payment of January salary, hazard allowance arrears and migration to IPPIS for these our members were made and the initial ultimatum for strike action was pegged at 21st of February, 2023."

According to the group, "The Congress noted that amidst the non-resolution of our demands, the working environment has become poor."

They identified other issues to include: "Non-functional Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with certain departments unable to do procedures because of this. Hence, affecting quality patient care and our residency training.

"Inconsistent and epileptic supply of call food with no call food for several weeks in the past four months with no plan for sustainable supply of call food such that our members can do 24 hours call and even above on an empty stomach.

"Leaking and dilapidated call rooms such that some residents on call sleep in their cars while on call.

"Staff burnout with some residents being on call every other day despite the above conditions.

"Epileptic power and water supply with several black-outs in the past months. This also impacts on our ability as doctors to provide quality healthcare and also affects the patients who need these amenities.

"The Congress observed with dismay the casualization of our members who have been on locum status for over two years which has denied them of several benefits.

"The Congress noted that these our members are yet to be migrated to the IPPIS platform. They have not received January salary, nine and half months hazard allowance arrears as well as Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) despite being in residents who also partake fully in update courses and examinations.

While demanding the resolution of the above issues, the ARD said members shall "proceed on a one- week warning strike commencing from 8.00 am, Wednesday, 3rd May 2023 with only provision of skeletal services at the Accident and Emergency unit of the hospital.

"To reconvene by 8.00 am, Wednesday, 10th May 2023 with an EGM where review of progress made as regards our demands will be done and resolve for fresh action taken."