Medical services in some government-owned hospitals in Edo State are still disrupted due to the ongoing strike action by members of the Nigerian Medical Association(NMA), Edo State Chapter.
The strike, now entering its second week, has been declared due to what the association termed “neglect of the welfare and working conditions” of the doctors. Affected health facilities include general state and specialized health facilities, which are only providing skeletal services for emergency patients, according to reports.
According to the NMA, despite numerous efforts aimed at engaging the Edo State Government through dialogue and correspondence, little was accomplished, and the doctors had no choice but to withdraw their service.
These include better remuneration, timely payment of salaries and allowances, provision of adequate medical equipment, a safe working environment, and implementation of agreed welfare policies. Doctors have, however, raised issues concerning personnel shortages, which they claim have contributed to increased workload and affected patient care.
Even as the association acknowledged the inconveniences caused to the patients, it was strongly stated that the aim of the strike is the improvement of the health care system.
Patients and residents have expressed concern over the effect that this strike may have on groups such as pregnant women, children, and the elderly. Groups from civil society have asked that the government intervene.
At the filing of this report, there is no statement from the Edo State Government. However, the NMA stated that it is ready to suspend its strike action once commitments are made.
