UCH GROUNDED AS NARD STRIKE ENTERS DAY 10, SURGERIES HALTED AND REVENUE DROPS
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Healthcare operations continue to be hindered at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, as the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) strike approaches its tenth day.
A visit by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) to the facility on Monday indicated that the Accident and Emergency Unit and the Out-Patient Department were largely unoccupied.
NAN notes that the UCH ARD initiated an indefinite strike on November 1, as mandated by its national organization, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
This action was prompted by the government’s inability to address the resident doctors’ request for a 200 percent escalation in the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
Furthermore, the physicians are advocating for the complete execution of new allowances proposed since July 2022 and the prompt hiring of clinical personnel.
The association is also demanding the elimination of bureaucratic obstacles that delay the replacement of current medical practitioners, among other issues.
NAN reports that the resident doctors at UCH have adhered strictly to the directive of their national organization, with none observed on duty.
The UCH ARD President, Dr. Gboyega Ajibola, informed NAN that the strike has impacted the hospital due to its inability to admit patients or conduct surgeries.
Ajibola noted that while consultants are present, the ARD is integral to the medical workforce.
“We are not admitting patients as the personnel necessary to implement the outlined management plan is on strike; clinics are not operating efficiently due to the inadequate number of consultants available to attend to patients.
“It is unfortunate because, clearly, surgeries cannot be performed as we are the ones who carry out such procedures; emergency corridors are also closed because consultants do not cover the initial section of the emergency department.
“This has adversely affected both patients and the hospital’s revenue; the government should take appropriate action.
“Our healthcare system is only as robust as the professionals who support it.
“This is not a conflict between the Federal Government (FG) and resident doctors; it is not a conflict between physicians and patients but a struggle for a healthcare system that is compassionate, equitable, just, and capable of delivering necessary care for patients.
“We yearn for a system that prioritizes the welfare of the community, safeguarding the interests of both patients and the caregivers,” he expressed.
Ajibola urged all stakeholders to view this struggle as a collective endeavor and to intervene by calling upon the FG to respond to the doctors’ appeals.
He also encouraged the public to exert pressure on the government regarding the physicians’ demands.
The UCH ARD president reassured patients that the doctors would provide them with optimal care upon their return to work.
“We want to assure the government that we are not engaged in political pursuits, but are committed to returning to the hospitals to deliver the essential care that patients require. ”
However, it is essential that the requisite facilities necessary for our work are made available, just as it is crucial that the physicians who preserve life remain healthy to perform at their best.
“It is vital to tackle the factors that drive doctors away from the system to ensure their retention and capability to fulfill their duties.
“We implore you; we urge the government to kindly heed our requests so that we can promptly return to work and provide quality medical care to Nigerians,” Ajibola stated.
A patient, Mr. Peter Olarenwaju, who was observed returning home, lamented the circumstances.
“I came for treatment due to my knee joint discomfort, yet I was not attended to.
“Additionally, my mother, who sought treatment, was also not provided with care. As you can see, we are leaving the hospital,” he remarked.
Furthermore, a physician who wished to remain anonymous indicated that the strike has resulted in diminished patient attendance.
“Notably, there have been no admissions into the emergency department or the wards for surgeries.
“Surgeries are not being performed due to the strike, as the resident doctors are the backbone of the hospital.
“Emergency surgeries have also ceased; individuals are seeking alternatives at other medical facilities.
“Moreover, ultrasonography, echocardiography, and CT scans that patients have been scheduled for over the months cannot occur; they are now being asked to reschedule appointments, which is prolonging illnesses and limiting access to healthcare,” he expressed.
The individual urged the government to fulfill their demands.
“There is an urgent need to address the excessive workload, modernize the antiquated equipment, revamp the healthcare system, and cease the casualization of healthcare workers.
“Surgeries, diagnostics, and procedures are all impacted; consultants have been steadfast, but the head alone cannot function without the neck and the body,” the individual articulated.
(NAN)
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