Resident Doctors Resume Strike At Luth Tomorrow

The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos Branch is to resume its strike on June 2, the association announced in Lagos on Saturday.

In a statement by the President of the association, Dr Omojowolo Olubunmi, the resolution to resume strike was reached at an emergency general meeting of the association, held on May 28.

“Rising from the emergency general meeting, the association unanimously agreed to resume our suspended industrial action and embark on an indefinite strike, commencing on Monday, June 2, by 8 a.m.,” Olubunmi said.

He said the strike was due to a lack of progress in negotiations and deliberations with the hospital’s management on the issues raised in the three-day warning strike in April.

“The ultimatum elapsed on April 29, without signs of a strike because doctors and LUTH management were still in talks which have since broken down. We have found ourselves left with no other choice,” the association’s president said.

Olubunmi said the doctors had 12-point contention, including: the astronomical increase in hospital charges, which have increased the number of avoidable deaths and affected the training of resident doctors.

“Lack of basic facilities and equipment, chronic shortage of stationery, epileptic water supply, disorganised and dirty environment and inadequate manpower have led to poor service delivery to Nigerians.

“Letters stipulating duration of residency training according to the August 2013 circular be issued to both old and new residents individually immediately.

“The employment list of residents from the outstanding departments be released immediately,” he said.

Olubunmi added that the number of residents being employed in each department was inadequate and that payment of update, exam and outstanding allowances be paid up front.

He also said the management promised, but failed to fix the shortage of materials and consumables.