UCH resident doctors embark on 3-week strike
In a significant development, members of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the renowned University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan have commenced a three-week industrial action. This decision comes as a result of the demands for the enrollment of their colleagues on the government's payment platform, which has been a long-standing issue affecting the welfare of around 250 doctors within the association.
Dr. Abiodun Ogundipe, the President of ARD-UCH, made it known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan that the strike began promptly at 8 a.m. on Thursday. The primary aim of this industrial action is to draw the government's attention to the plight of the affected doctors who were employed at UCH back in May. Surprisingly, these doctors are yet to be captured on the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), and consequently, they have not been receiving their rightful salaries.
Dr. Ogundipe expressed deep concern over the situation, stating that the affected doctors' exclusion from the IPPIS platform had left them in a state of uncertainty. The non-payment of salaries has created significant hardships for these medical professionals, and this strike is a collective effort to address their grievances and plea with the government for immediate action. The Association seeks prompt and efficient facilitation of the enrollment process to ensure a better quality of life for its members.
The strike action, which began on Thursday, is expected to continue for three weeks, or until the government addresses the issue satisfactorily. The ARD-UCH has shown its determination to find a resolution to the matter and is committed to engaging with the government in fruitful discussions to bring about a positive outcome for its members.
Dr. Ogundipe highlighted that the strike action is not solely about the IPPIS enrollment issue. The Association also seeks the government's attention to address other welfare matters affecting doctors nationwide. In line with this, the ARD-UCH had already given a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to address lingering welfare issues.
The three-week industrial action by the ARD-UCH at the University College Hospital in Ibadan reflects the growing concern among resident doctors about their welfare and the need for prompt government intervention. The demand for the enrollment of their colleagues on the IPPIS platform is crucial to ensure timely payment of salaries and a better quality of life for these medical professionals. As the strike continues, the ARD-UCH remains hopeful that the government will take swift action to resolve the matter and address other welfare issues that have long been pending.
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