With their demands for payment of COVID-19 hazard and inducement allowance not met, the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) has declared that it will embark on a strike starting from September 30, 2020.
In addition to the aforementioned, the issue of non-implementation of other demands which include the shortage of medical doctors in the hospital served as a reason for the looming strike.
According to Dr. Obinna Aniagbaoso, the ARD-COOUTH President who addressed newsmen in Awka, he stated that the Anambra State Government is yet to pay them their COVID-19 Allowances despite their efforts in containing the spread of the virus in the state.
He stressed that the impending strike became necessary due to the stress and incessant complaints by members over the non-payment of the COVID-19 hazard and inducement allowance meant for medical doctors working in the hospital and the COVID-19 isolation and treatment Centre since the pandemic started.
Furthermore, he noted that their colleagues in other states such as Nassarawa, Lagos, Benue, Oyo, Ogun, Enugu, and almost all the states in Northern Nigeria have been receiving theirs, except in Anambra state. To this end, the strike will only be dismissed when their demands are met.
Dr. Obinna expressed regret over any inconveniences the action may cause Anambra residents needing healthcare services during this period. Adding that the association believes in dialogue as a means of settling dispute and the association has always stood by this principle in all its dealings with the State government even in the face of financial burden.
Rounding off, he appealed to Governor Willie Obiano to set things in motion to resolve all pending issues with the government, so as to ensure that industrial harmony in the state is maintained.
InlandTown! 2020
