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Anambra’s healthcare system is bracing for impact as resident doctors at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, threaten to down tools over appalling work conditions and unpaid allowances, sparking fears of a medical crisis in the state.
Following a high-stakes meeting, Dr. Onyebuchi Ichoku, president of the Association of Resident Doctors, announced that the group will take industrial action, citing the state government’s inaction on their grievances despite a three-week ultimatum.
Following a intense strategy session, Dr. Onyebuchi Ichoku, the head of the hospital’s medical residents, declared that the doctors would take a stand and strike, after the state government failed to meet the 21-day deadline for resolving their disputes.
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The medical community is seeking justice, demanding payment of hazard allowances, residency training funds, and a 25% salary increase that was promised last July, but has yet to be fulfilled.
According to Dr. Ichoku, the doctors have been struggling with harsh working conditions, including inadequate facilities and equipment, which have hindered their ability to provide optimal care to patients.
He emphasized that the hospital’s management and the state government have been neglecting their responsibilities, leaving the doctors with no choice but to consider strike action.
“We have been patient and have given the government enough time to address our grievances, but unfortunately, they have failed to do so.
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“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,” Ichoku said.
The Resident Doctors urged authorities of the hospital and the state government to address their grievances to avert a crisis in the health sector, accusing government of neglecting the healthcare system, leading to a shortage of medical personnel, equipment, and facilities.
Although government has promised to improve the situation, the resident doctors say they have seen little progress.
“The government and hospital management must act swiftly to address the doctors’ demands and prevent a strike that could have far-reaching consequences for the people of Anambra State”, the doctors said.
Reacting on the threat of the doctors, the Chief Medical Director of the institution, Dr Joe Akabuike said the demands were legitimate and would be addressed.
According to Akabuike, the state government is prepared to follow in the footsteps of the federal government by implementing the allowances and increment, but will prioritize fiscal prudence by only allocating resources that are readily available.
