Enugu Medical Doctors Declare Indefinite Strike Over Personnel Shortfall and More
Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Teaching Hospital (Parklane) is set to face a healthcare crisis as resident doctors announce their decision to embark on an indefinite strike starting January 31.
The primary reasons behind this drastic move include an alarming shortage of doctors, heightened insecurity, and inadequate support for residency programs.
The impending strike follows the lapse of a seven-week grace period that the doctors had previously granted to the state government to address their concerns. The strike notice was formally issued in a communiqué released yesterday after an emergency general meeting of doctors conducted under the banner of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), ESUT Teaching Hospital.
Signed jointly by President Chukwunonso Ofonere and Secretary General Ikemefuna Nnamani, the communiqué expressed disappointment at the lack of response from the hospital’s management regarding a 14-day ultimatum and an additional 49 days of grace provided for the authorities to meet the association’s demands.
The statement emphasized the failure of both the state government and hospital management to declare a state of emergency regarding the employment of doctors, safety, and security within the hospital premises. It highlighted that promises made by the state government, including the employment of medical officers and Resident Doctors, as well as the payment of Medical Residency Training Funds (MRTF), remain unfulfilled after over 180 days.
The doctors voiced their concerns about the absence of security personnel at the hospital gate, leading to an increase in direct assaults on doctors and other health workers. Furthermore, they pointed out that house officers were excluded from the N25,000 hardship/palliative fund provided by the state governor.
The communiqué warned of a potential exacerbation of the situation, citing plans to raise the rents of hospital quarters (one-bedroom apartments) by a staggering 375%, from N8,000 to N30,000 monthly. In response, the doctors stated, “This will escalate the already palpable crises, and we will be left with no other alternatives but to protect the interest and welfare of our members.
”As the January 31 deadline approaches, the looming strike poses a significant threat to healthcare services in Enugu, underscoring the urgent need for intervention to address the grievances of the medical professionals.Credit: The guardian