The Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Awka, Anambra State, resident doctors have commenced a seven-day warning strike over poor working conditions and failure of Governor Chukwuma Soludo-led government to fulfill earlier promises.
The industrial action was confirmed in a communiqué issued at the end of an emergency meeting of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), COOUTH chapter, held on Wednesday in Awka, Anambra State capital.
The document, titled “Notification of Commencement of Industrial Action,” was jointly signed by the association’s President, Dr. Joy Okwumuo, and Secretary, Dr. Chukwubuike Ifekudu.
According to the communiqué, the strike officially began at 12 noon on Thursday, September 11.
The association stated that the strike follows “several failed efforts to engage the Anambra government to pay the 100 per cent Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF),” which the government had pledged to begin disbursing from January 2025.
Other grievances listed include the non-payment of the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), as well as outstanding allowances such as accoutrement, rural posting, specialist, and teaching allowances.
The doctors also decried the non-payment of accumulated arrears and the acute shortage of personnel, which they say has resulted in severe overwork for the few available doctors.
The ARD COOUTH demanded immediate payment of the MRTF and is calling for the government to officially gazette the fund to avoid future defaults.
The communiqué further stated, “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 Oct. 4, 2024.”
The group said the government failed to act within a 10-day ultimatum issued by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) in a letter dated September 1.
“Having exhausted one year waiting without any positive response, ARD COOUTH regrettably resolved to commence the industrial action,” the communiqué read.
It warned that failure to meet their demands could result in a prolonged disruption of services, “We hope that all demands are met to prevent indefinite industrial action that might be a consequence.”
The association urged the hospital management, the public, and other relevant stakeholders to prevail on the government to meet their demands to ensure uninterrupted service delivery.
“ARD COOUTH wishes that these issues are resolved soon to prevent regrettable disharmony this situation will cause in the state tertiary health facility.
“We appreciate all institutions and individuals who have consistently shown unwavering commitment to our welfare,” the communiqué noted.