BY BETI ONU AWKA
THE current industrial harmony at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) Amaku, Awka may be lost if the grievances of resident doctors at the hospital bordering on non-payment of allowances and poor medical infrastructure in the institution are not urgently addressed by the Anambra State Government.
The doctors under the aegis of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD)-COOUTH said on that they would withdraw their services without further notice if the harsh and poor working conditions persist.
Dr. Onyebuchi Ichoku, President ARD-COOUTH who spoke to newsmen, said the decision was reached at the Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) following the expiration of a 21 working day ultimatum issued for the Anambra State Government to intervention
He said the demands include hazard allowance, Medical Residency Training Fund and implementation of 25 per cent increase in basic salary with effect from July 2023.
“After the expiration of the 21 day ultimatum given to the Anambra State Government to implement the basic demands of the resident doctors or face strike action, we had an OGM where our members unanimously voted for a strike action.
“But the executive pleaded for time so we can reach out to the governor for urgent intervention.
“The OGM also called for the restoration of electricity which was disconnected about two months ago and provision of diagnostic equipment in the hospital for more effective service delivery,” he said.
The ARD chairman said the association had taken their appeal for improved working conditions to the management and State government at different times without respite and expressed confidence that Governor Charles Soludo would address it if it came to his knowledge.
He said their colleagues at the federal and state including those in the Southeast were already benefiting.
He said the members, having evaluated the situation, resolved to proceed on immediate strike action from the OGM but were prevailed upon by the leadership to give more time and allow the state government to intervene.
He said the poor working conditions had resulted in the continued emigration of their colleagues to outside the country and neighboring institutions adding that it was putting so much pressure on the existing workforce in the hospital.
“As resident doctors, we are entitled to basic allowances and funding, these entitlements are meant to ease some of our financial burdens, especially at this time of severe economic hardship.
“Hazard Allowance is an extra amount of money doctors are paid for working in a hazardous environment, it is meant to encourage doctors and other health care workers to attend to patients who pose health risks to them, for example, COVID-19 patients.
“For example, lassa fever which continues to claim the lives of health workers on a yearly basis.
