Why We Suspended Our 2 Months Strike – Anambra Resident Doctors

After two months of industrial action, resident doctors of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka have suspended their strike.

The institution is owned by Anambra State Government.

According to a statement signed by the President and Secretary of the association, Obinna Aniagboso and Chidiebele Egolum respectively, the strike was suspended for a month to allow for negotiation.

Recall that due to the alleged failure of the state government to honour its agreement to implement full Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, CONMESS for doctors as well as upgrade diagnostic facilities in the hospital as befitting of a tertiary health centre, the doctors embarked on the strike on May 13^th, 2019.

“We noted the request of His Excellency (Governor Willie Obiano) for ARD (Association of Resident Doctors) to suspend its strike in order to give the government a little time to complete the ongoing personnel audit and financial analysis,” the statement read in part.

“We also took cognizance of the resolution of the NMA leadership and elders’ meeting which advised ARD to suspend the strike for one month along with the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, MDCAN.

“We considered the plight of our teeming patients who have become stranded and deprived of quality care throughout our protracted industrial action.

“We also accepted the concessions made by management on internal issues bordering on conditions of service and withheld remuneration, and intend to cooperate to ensure its full implementation.”

The statement added, “Considering the foregoing, the general congress passed a resolution to suspend its industrial action for one month and to resume work on Wednesday 17th July 2019 by 8:00 a.m.

“We take this bold step in good faith with the expectation that the state government and management of COOUTH will not relent on their end until our agreed objectives are fully actualized”.