The Association of Resident Doctors at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital in Awka, Anambra, has suspended its seven-day warning strike. The decision follows the government’s approval of the resident doctors’ demands, which includes the release of the Medical Residency Training Fund and a 100 percent upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Scale.
According to a statement signed by the ARD-COOUTH President and Secretary, Dr. Joy Okwumuo and Dr. Chukwubuike Ifekudu, members are expected to resume their duties effective from 8:00 a.m. on Saturday. The government’s approval, made by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, also includes allowances for house officers, rural posting for previously skipped departments, and specialist allowances for resident doctors.
The government has also agreed to pay accumulated arrears, including the previously skipped approved 2024 hazard allowance arrears. The resident doctors had embarked on the warning strike on Thursday to press for better working conditions, including improved salaries and benefits.
The association has reaffirmed its commitment to working with the hospital’s Chief Medical Director to implement the approved decisions. It has also emphasized the urgent need to recruit resident doctors and house officers to meet medical college staffing standards and curb brain drain. Additionally, the association has called for the accreditation of the Family Medicine, Radiology, and Anaesthesiology departments to enable members to sit for professional exams.
The suspension of the strike is a significant development, as it will help to alleviate the suffering of patients and their families who rely on the hospital for medical care. The association has expressed gratitude to Governor Soludo, the Head of Service, Commissioner for Health, COOUTH management, Nigerian Medical Association, and National Association of Resident Doctors for their support.
The resolution of the strike is a positive step towards improving the working conditions of resident doctors in the hospital and addressing the challenges facing the healthcare sector in Anambra. The government’s commitment to implementing the approved decisions is expected to have a positive impact on the delivery of healthcare services in the state.
