LUTH Doctors Resume Indefinite Strike Action

Doctors under the aegis of Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi–Araba, Lagos, have commenced an indefinite strike action to protest poor working conditions.

The association’s president, Dr. Akinkumi Afolabi said, yesterday, that the resolution came from an emergency general meeting of members held last Wednesday, at the ARD lounge.

In a statement made available to The Guardian, the association said the strike action is to protest the challenges faced by the doctors of the teaching hospital, which includes poor working conditions, epileptic power and water supply, discriminatory taxation of members, non-payment of one to four months salaries, among others.

Lamenting the absence of efficient means of communication within the hospital to facilitate effective healthcare delivery, Afolabi said, “Epileptic power supply has lead to cancellation of surgeries and procedures to the detriment of patients and extreme discomfort to doctors and patients during consultation.”

In a telephone interview with The Guardian, he said, “Although we are on strike, some of our members are still working, as well as, other consultants.”

He explained that discussions are ongoing with management on the association’s demands and a written commitment has been made to resolve some of the issues this week.

Asked when the strike is likely to be called off, he said, “I cannot tell you about that because the outcome of tomorrow’s (Monday) meeting would determine our stance. Congress would also have to seat to decide on that.”