By Amos Aar
THE Benue State University Teaching Hospital chapter of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), on Tuesday commenced an indefinite strike.
NARD began its strike just after the university’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities suspended its industrial action that commenced on May 27, 2023.
President of the BSUTH NARD, Dr Nabem Agwa who confirmed the strike to newsmen on Monday said, doctors withdrew their services from the hospital at 8am on Monday and would not resume until their demands were met.
Dr Agwa said the industrial action became their last option as several efforts to draw the attention of relevant authorities to look into their welfare proved abortive.
According to him, some of their grievances include non-implementation of hazard allowance and non-release of residency training funds which he said had not been paid since the beginning of 2023.
Reacting, Chief Medical Director of BSUTH, Dr Michael Amaanongon, who described the issues as genuine, however said there were issues that the current administration inherited.
Dr Amaanongon appealed to the striking doctors to be patient with the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia who he said was committed to the welfare of every Benue worker and was working tirelessly to ensure that the health sector received the desired attention.
The Chief Medical Director however disclosed that doctors on consultancy and other health personnel at the hospital were on ground to attend to the health needs of patients.
THE Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi chapter on Monday called off the industrial strike it embarked upon since May 27, 2023 and the university reopened consequently.
Announcing the suspension of the ASUU strike in the university on Tuesday in a press release, Dr (Mrs) Mfaga Modom said following end of the strike, the Benue State University has reopened for academic activities.
“All categories of students are hereby requested to resume on Wednesday, 21st June, 2023 and complete all registration processes and settle down for studies,” the statement read.
