UNILORIN teaching hospital may pay striking doctors soon

The management of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) yesterday promised prompt payment of skipping allowances and other arrears of members of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) who are on strike.

According to the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of UITH, Professor Abdulwaheed Olatinwo, yesterday in Ilorin, despite the alleged late receipt of the strike notice from ARD, “contrary to the extant Labour Law,” the management is working round the clock to ensure prompt payment of the money.

The ARD in its notice of Monday, March 7, this year is demanding for; immediate payment of skipping arrears, the need to improve infrastructural facilities especially electricity and water in both the house officer’s quarters and the doctors’ common room and a thorough review of the conditions of engagement (service) of house officers and resident doctors as contained in the letter of their admission into training.

Olatinwo said the management had since constituted a bilateral committee consisting of parties in the industrial dispute, UITH and ARD, with a view to finding a lasting solution to the problems.

Skeletal services at the UITH are ongoing despite the industrial action as consultants and other health workers are attending to patients.