UCH Resident Doctors' Strike Enters Fourth Week

By David Adetula

The strike action embarked upon by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), University College Hospital has now entered into its fourth week, with seemingly no end in view. 

Last week Saturday, ARD UCH had an emergency general meeting to assess the ongoing industrial action. After the meeting, the association members resolved that the total and indefinite strike should continue. The meeting lasted about 7 hours. 

ARD UCH embarked on a “total and indefinite strike” action on May 1 over the non-payment of the 4-month salaries of its members. According to the Statement issued by the association when the strike began, “over 200 doctors in UCH are yet to be paid a dime this year.” 

“Commencement of Immediate Total and Indefinite Strike Action: 

“Following an Emergency General Meeting held today, the Association of Resident Doctors, UCH, Ibadan, has commenced an indefinite strike action today the 1st of May, 2021 and it shall be total. 

“You will recall we embarked on a 5-day warning strike from the 15th to 20th of March, 2021. 

“You will also recall, our national body embarked on an indefinite strike from the 1st to 12th of April, 2021. 

“Over 200 Resident Doctors and Medical Officers in UCH are yet to be paid a dime this year and yet to be migrated to IPPIS payment platform despite the aforementioned warning strike and the nationwide strike by Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria (NARD). 

“We call on all ministries and agencies involved to meet our demands.”