Association Resident Doctors (ARD) at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) Awka, Anambra, has embarked on a seven day warning strike to demands better working condition.
This was contained in a communique issued at the end of an emergency meeting held on Wednesday titled ‘Notification for Commencement of Industrial Action’.
The communique which was signed by Dr Joy Okwumuo and Dr Chukwubuike Ifekudu, President and Secretary of ARD COOUTH, respectively, said the strike would commence effectively 12p.m on Thursday.
It said the strike followed several failed efforts to engage the Anambra government to pay the 100 percent Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), which it promised to pay from January 2025.
The communique cited the non-payment of upward-revised CONMESS salary structure, accoutrement, rural posting, specialist and teaching allowances.
It also cited non-payment of accumulated arrears as well as shortage of doctors leading to overworking of the available resident doctors.
It however, demanded payment of the MRTF and domesticate the same to forestall the recurrent issues of non-payment.
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“ARD COOUTH made several efforts to engage the government since this year to ensure the realisation of the promises made that led to the suspension of previous industrial action on Oct. 4 2024.
“The government failed to meet the demands within the 10 days ultimatum issued by the National association of resident doctors(NARD) communique dated Sept. 1.
“Having exhausted one year waiting without any positive response,ARD COOUTH regrettably resolved to commence the industrial action.
“The seven-day warning strike beginning from 12p.m of Sept.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, 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 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,” it said.
