ABUTH resident doctors start three-day warning strike

The Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) Branch of National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Monday commenced a three-day warning strike.

Its President, Dr Waziri Aliyu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Zaria that all members of NARD had complied.

“We have commenced the industrial action today, Monday, Aug. 22, in view of the fact that the management is not ready to listen to us.

“This is just a warning strike and will terminate on Thursday Aug. 25 after which the association will proceed on indefinite strike if our demands are not met,’’ he said.

While saluting the courage of the members for total compliance, Aliyu pleaded with them to persevere and endure the difficulties they might encounter during the period.

ABUTH Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof. Lawal Khalid, confirmed that the NARD had gone on strike, but assured that services were still on.

“Work is still on in the hospital because resident doctors are not the only doctors; we have consultants and other supporting staff and they all are providing health services to patients.

“However, I want to plead with the striking doctors not to look at the management alone in this issue, but they should also consider the patients.

“We, as health professionals, must understand that we are trained to save human lives, therefore, we must be considerate in whatever we do,’’ Khalid said.

He prayed that the issue would be resolved amicably soon to enable patients continue to enjoy the services in the hospital.

NAN reports that NARD, had on Monday last week, addressed a press conference and staged a peaceful protest on their demands.

Some of the demands include snake bite, poor condition of the environment, outmoded equipment, selective issuance of skipping, no provision of food during call hours, nonpayment of revision courses and examination allowances, among others.