The Association of Resident Doctors of the Delta State University Teaching Hospital (ARD DELSUTH), Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area has issued a one-month strike notice to the Delta State government to fast-track payment of the 2021 Medical Residency Training Fund to its members, among other demands.
The resident doctors stated this in a communiqué issued at the end of an emergency meeting held July 2, at the Main Auditorium Complex, DELSUTH.
The statement was signed by the ARD’s President, General Secretary and Public Relations Officer, Dr Odukuye Rukevwe, Dr Adja Harrison, Dr Oghotuma Oghenemaro, respectively.
It noted that the doctors had, in June, issued an ultimatum which elapsed July 2, to both the state government and management of DELSUTH, demanding several things, including payment of backlog of bench fees, completion of the main clinical building, as well as improvement of their call food.
Commending Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for the release of N68 million to the management of DELSUTH, the statement said if the demands are not met within the extended ultimatum, it will embark on a seven-day warning strike without further notice.
According to the communiqué, the doctors resolved that “for the interest of the smooth running of the institution, the processes of payment of the 2021 Medical Residency Training Fund as approved by Governor Okowa on September 8, 2020, be fast-tracked and affected to all resident doctors in DELSUTH within this period of extended ultimatum in order to continue the training of specialist doctors in Delta State in line with the mandate of the governor to improve health care delivery to the people of Delta.
“That the DELSUTH management as a matter of urgency pay off a reasonable percentage of the backlog of bench fees owed our members and maintain the same by commencing the payment of the monthly one million naira subsequently. Howbeit from the training funds that have just be secured.
“Members demanded that the renovated building be adequately equipped in preparation for training and accreditation/re-accreditation of Departments.
“The DELSUTH Management should put in efforts at resolving all pending and recurrent salary irregularities.
“The DELSUTH Management should make conscious efforts to improve on the poor state of the call food.
“Finally, Congress resolved that out of goodwill and a show of magnanimity to the DELSUTH Management and State Government, the strike ultimatum be extended by four (4) weeks, which will elapse on August 2, 2021, after which a seven-day warning strike will commence immediately without further notice.”
The statement, however, assured of the resident doctors’ commitment to the smooth running of the hospital.
Source: The Nation
