Anambra doctors go on strike over COVID-19 funds

The Resident Doctors of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka Anambra State, on Wednesday, joined the strike action directed by the National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria (NARD).

The doctors, in a statement by the president and secretary of COOUTH chapter of NARD, Obinna Aniagboso and Chidiebele Egolum respectively, appealed to Anambra State governor, Willie Obiano to give their demands attention they deserved so that they could return to work soonest to continue providing essential care during the pandemic period.

Their statement read in part,

“We strongly appeal to Anambra State Governor to give these pressing demands the urgent attention they deserve so that we can return to our duty posts soonest to continue providing essential care during this pandemic period.

“We reiterate that payment of COVID 19 hazard and inducement allowance is sacrosanct and non- negotiable.

“It is unconscionable for politicians to fritter away the COVID 19 fund donated by philanthropists while COOUTH doctors who have been on the frontlines exposing themselves to increased risk with inadequate PPEs continue to earn an insulting hazard allowance of N3,500

“We advise COOUTH management to refrain from engaging locum(temporary) doctors and coaxing our members to work, but rather focus on swaying Anambra State Government to adequately compensate and protect the beleaguered COOUTH doctors.”