The Kogi State Specialist Hospital’s Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) in Lokoja has alerted the State Government to the expiration of the 21-day ultimatum they issued to address their demands.
The ultimatum’s main goal was to foster dialogue and engagement with the state government.
The announcement was made through a statement that bore the signatures of both Dr. Ameh Friday, President of ARD KSSH, and Dr. Peter Samuel, Secretary General. This statement was released to journalists in Lokoja on Saturday.
‘The ARD KSSH, wishes to state that today, makes it 21 days since its last communique and one month since it suspended its industrial action as directed by the National Body – NARD – for government to look into the some of its pressing demands as listed below.’
‘Having examined the inertia that has greeted our requests also keeping in view of our previous failure to join the national directive to suspend service delivery because of our commitment to the client and State Government which unfortunately has never been appreciated.’
‘We will like to remind government of our modest demands once more.’
Read more: Resident Doctors Suspend Nationwide Strike After 2 Weeks
‘Upward review of CONMESS 2014 to CONMESS 2023, and approval of Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023).’
‘Review of hazard allowance as released by the National Salary, Income and Wages Commission, 22nd December, 2021, and implementation and cash backing of promotion as well as the statutory Annual Increments with payment of arrears of both annual increments and promotion,’ it said.
‘The association stressed that the statement would serve as a reminder of the association’s initial communique.’
‘The association emphasised that the moral and psychic of its members in the Kogi State Specialist Hospital is at an all time low with respect to their concerns, unfortunately, the Hospital working environment, coupled with the unpalatable economic realities have further worsened the already sour situation.’
‘The ARD will convoke a Congress meeting in seven days from now to have an appraisal of the progress made so far and take a decision on all its demands,’ the association said.
Although the doctors’ strike action poses a significant risk to residents’ well-being, some demands by the state government still need to be addressed to ensure favourable working conditions for the doctors that will empower them to provide better services.