THE Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) chapter of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has revealed that its members are likely to continue with the ongoing strike even if their national body were calls off its strike, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) doctors’ reports.
The president of the chapter, Dr Azeez Ojekunle, who made the disclosure on Friday at a news conference in Lagos, said LASUTH’s strike might linger if the Lagos State government fails to meet its demands.
Dr Ojekunle however said the association was willing to resume negotiations to ensure the resolution of the industrial disharmony. He said there is misinformation that the association joined the nationwide strike in solidarity with its national body.
“We hereby set the record straight to citizens of Lagos that there are several local issues affecting the Lagos State Chapter of NARD and the healthcare delivery system. The LASUTH-ARD, in a show of unparalleled patriotism, has been engaging the government since past years with several correspondences and meetings.
“However, it has been series of unfulfilled promises after four months’ grace period since suspension of the strike. Following perceived insensitivity from the government despite all diplomatic measures explored, we were left with no other option than an avoidable industrial action. Today marks the 33rd day of the strike with no end in sight at the Lagos State and national levels,” Dr Ojekunle said.
According to him, there had been full compliance with the strike directive in the hospital which, he said, had affected healthcare delivery. He regretted the impact of the strike on patients, appealing for their understanding.
On the way forward, Dr Ojekunle urged the government to withdraw the circular removing House Officers from the state’s scheme of service. He also called for the immediate release of the Medical Residency Training Fund as approved by the state government.
While adding that there should be a template for regular recruitment of resident doctors and medical officers to consolidate existing exit replacements, Dr Azeez Ojekunle also called for the recommencement of the residential quarters’ project for resident doctors in LASUTH, saying that the project had been stalled for over a decade.
He pledged the association’s commitment to supporting the government to improve the health of Lagos citizens through discharge of its duties and constructive engagements.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) embarked on a nationwide indefinite strike on August 2, 2021 to protest poor working environment in public hospitals, irregular payment of doctors’ salaries and hazard allowance of N5000, which was last reviewed 30 years ago in 1991. The strike was also to demand immediate withdrawal of a circular removing House Officers from the scheme of service.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the union of senior Nigerian doctors, last Tuesday, August 31, 2021, issued a 21-day notice to the federal government to resolve all issues affecting its members. The NMA said it would summon an emergency delegates’ meeting to review progress made on the implementation of agreements after the expiration of the notice. It said it is in full support of all its affiliates in their efforts to improve healthcare delivery in Nigeria and the welfare of their members.
