JUST IN: Anambra Doctors Threaten Strike Over Unpaid Entitlements

Resident doctors at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) in Anambra have issued a stark warning of an impending strike due to unpaid allowances and poor working conditions attributed to the state government.

The doctors, under the leadership of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) President, Dr. Onyebuchi Ichoku, announced their decision following the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum issued to the government. This ultimatum passed without a satisfactory response from the authorities.

The ARD’s demands include the payment of hazard allowances, the Medical Residency Training Fund, and a 25% increase in basic salary effective from July 2023. Dr. Ichoku emphasized the severe impact of inadequate facilities and equipment on their ability to provide optimal patient care.

“We have been patient and have given the government enough time to address our grievances, but unfortunately, they have failed to do so,” Dr. Ichoku stated. “We cannot continue to work under these difficult conditions, risking our lives and those of our patients. We urge the government to take our demands seriously and take immediate action to address them.”

The potential strike has raised concerns among residents, as it threatens to disrupt medical services and exacerbate the already challenging healthcare situation in the state.

In response, Chief Medical Director Dr. Joe Akabuike acknowledged the legitimacy of the doctors’ demands. He assured that while the allowances and salary increments had been implemented at the federal level, the state government would address them within the constraints of available resources.