Resident Doctors begin five-day warning strike

UBTH working to meet their demands, says CMD

The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) Branch yesterday commenced a five-day warning strike over issues bothering on members welfare.

The warning strike has grounded medical services at the hospital, a situation that may last till May 21, 2017.

President of the Association of Resident Doctors, UBTH Branch, Dr. Oseghale Eustace in a statement in Benin City, lamented the poor state of amenities, non- availability of consumables and lack of functional central sterilising and supply department, among others.

He however, alleged that management was not making enough effort to pay the outstanding salaries of House Officers who just exited, adding that, “our outstanding percentage salaries are yet to be paid as promised by the hospital management.”

The doctors are demanding improvement in the state of amenities and immediate advancement of their members due for advancement, as well as payment of outstanding salaries of House Officers who had exited the service.

Meanwhile, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof. Michael Ibadin who debunked the allegations, appeals to the Resident Doctors to shelve the strike and maintain peace pending the determination of management to resolve all outstanding issues, were ignored.

On the state of amenities, Ibadin said government was making efforts to replace dysfunctional Radiotherapy Machine and CT Machine adding that the ARD’s position on placement was at variance with the dictates of the Civil Service Rules.

He added that, house officers who exited the services of the Hospital recently were paid their 12 months emoluments, which is their entitlement. “The supply of consumables in the Hospital is ongoing and has not deteriorated. Issuance of promotion letters is an ongoing process,” he said.