From Scholastica Onyeka, Makurdi
The Association of Residents Doctors, (ARD), Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) Makurdi has asked for the immediate payment of the 2022 Medical Residency Training Fund, (MRTF) or they down tools in 72 hours.
The association gave this ultimatum in a letter tagged Notice of Resumption of Strike,” signed by the President and General Secretary of ARD, Dr Usha Anenga and Dr.I Kator respectively and addressed to Chief Medical Director, CMD, BSUTH, Professor Terrumun Swende.
The letter which was copied to the Deputy Governor of Benue state, Secretary to the State Government, SSG, state Commissioner of Health and Human Services, among other heads of Government health Institutions, said 72 hours was enough time for all stakeholders to take action and avert the strike
The letter read in part: “The above named association wish to inform you of the resolution of the Congress held on 21st November 2022 at the ARD Lounge, that we shall be resuming a total, indefinite strike effective 8:00am on Thursday, 24th November 2022.
“It is unfortunate that we have reached this dead end despite our efforts to resolve issues amicably without disrupting medical services to our patients and the general public.
“Amidst numerous renumeration issues that we have but are still working sacrificially, we demand immediate payment of the 2022 Medical Residency Training Fund to all resident doctors at Benue State University Teaching Hospital as was approved by the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Dr Samuel Ortom six months ago.
The doctor who said they anticipate a prompt and favourable response further stated “It is our belief and desire that the 72 hours between the time of this resolution and the commencement of the strike will be enough for all stakeholders to take action and avert it.”
Reacting, the Chief Medical Director, CMD, Professor Terrumun Swende, said Governor Samuel Ortom has approved funds for residency training and appealed to the doctors to exercise patience.
Swende stated that the Residency Training Funds was offset not up to a year ago and expressed concern that the Resident doctors served a notice of demand and at the same time is proceeding on strike action.
He appealed to them to shelve the idea of going on strike saying action will not be healthy for a medical institution.