From Scholastica Onyeka, Makurdi

The Association of Residents Doctors, (ARD), Benue State University Teaching Hospital, BSUTH, Makurdi, has suspended the planned indefinite strike action.

The association, in a letter signed by the President and General Secretary, Dr Usha Anenge and Dr.I Kator respectively, had communicated the resumption of a total, indefinite strike effective from 8am on Thursday, November 24th, 2022.

But in another statement on Thursday, the association said they are withholding the strike action.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Medical Director, BSUTH, Makurdi, Professor Terrumun Swende and signed by its executives, ARD said it was part of its resolution at the Congress held on 24th November 2022 that the strike action be withheld.

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The letter signed by the president, Usha Anenga and made available to newsmen in Makurdi, said “This became necessary following a meeting with the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Dr Samuel Ortom, represented by the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Benson Abounu yesterday.”

Usha said during the meeting, Governor Ortom promised to pay them the 2022 Medical Residency Training Fund, (MRTF), within the next 10 days which the congress accepted.

“We therefore commend the exemplary effort of His Excellency, Dr Samuel Ortom concerning the welfare of our members over the years and at this instance. We also specially thank the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Benson Abounu for his painstaking efforts to resolve this issue.”

The association also appreciated the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Joseph Ngbea for his relentless assistance, the BSUTH board Chairman, Dr Emmanuel Omale Oibiokpa for his fatherly intervention and the Chief Medical Director, Professor Terrumun Swende and other members of the top management for their tenacious efforts and assured of their continued cooperation with all stakeholders.