Members of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) in Ondo State have commenced a 14-day warning strike, citing various grievances, including the non-payment of salaries to new members for seven months.
The strike began on Tuesday, with the doctors staging a peaceful protest at the hospital premises, demanding resolution of their concerns by the government. Dr. John Matthew, the President of UNIMEDTH ARD, highlighted several issues prompting the strike, including the failure to pay salaries to new members, the non-disbursement of palliative funds to House Officers since February, and the delay in disbursing the February Hazard Allowance despite assurances from the state government.
Dr. Matthew also emphasized the shortage of staff resulting from the resignation of doctors from the hospital, pointing out that the number of ARD members in the hospital has dwindled significantly from 150 to just 26.
"We demand full payment of the arrears of salaries owed to our members and payment of the February 2024 palliative to our house officers. Management should pay a February hazard allowance to our members and urgently address the severe clinical manpower shortage in the institution. Our members work every day. There are no staff due to Japan syndrome," Dr. Matthew stated during the protest.
The striking doctors vowed to continue their strike until their demands are met, underscoring the critical importance of resolving the issues to ensure the smooth functioning of the hospital and the well-being of its staff and patients.
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