Ogun Doctors Threaten Indefinite Strike Action Over Poor Working Conditions
The Nigerian Medical Association, Ogun State branch, on Thursday threatened to embark on industrial action within the next one week as a result of poor working conditions.
Speaking at a press conference which took place at Doctors’ House, Lukosi, Abeokuta, on Thursday, the NMA Chairman, Dr. Azim Ashimi, disclosed that the 21-day ultimatum given on June 7, 2024, will expire next week, Thursday, June 27, 2024.
He said members would embark on industrial action unless the state government takes immediate action to address their concerns.
Ashimi highlighted that despite ongoing discussions with relevant government officials, there have been only verbal assurances without official commitment.
He urged the citizens of Ogun State to pressure the government to take key steps to prevent the looming strike, which could disrupt healthcare services across the state.
Ashimi said, “The State Executive Council of NMA, Ogun, issued a 21-day ultimatum to the state government on June 7, 2024, which will elapse on June 27, 2024, indicating that industrial harmony may not be guaranteed after this date as the pressure of work on the few doctors holding forth is yielding dire consequences.
“Conversations have been ongoing in this respect with relevant government officers, with verbal assurances but no official commitment from the government yet.
“We use this opportunity to call on well-meaning citizens of Ogun State to impress upon the Ogun State government to do what is needed in order to avert any industrial action.”
Ashimi further said that hospitals like Babcock University Teaching Hospital have seen their monthly electricity bills increase from ₦80-100 million to ₦300 million.
He called for concessions to be given to health institutions to prevent these increased costs from being passed onto patients, potentially making healthcare inaccessible for many.
“Over the last few weeks, we have been inundated with SOS messages from health institutions across the state concerning the enormous increase in operating costs of hospitals occasioned by the recent increase in electricity tariffs.
“For example, Babcock University Teaching Hospital, a mission tertiary health institution, informed us that their electricity bills jumped from between ₦80-100 million monthly to ₦300 million in the last month.
“While we appreciate the zeal of the government to develop the energy sector, we appeal strongly that concessions be given to health institutions, as these humongous tariffs will eventually be passed on to our poor patients, thereby driving them further away from access to appropriate healthcare services,” the NMA chairman said.
