Doctors at Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara, have started a five-day warning strike to protest poor working conditions and stalled training opportunities.
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) announced the action after an emergency meeting, citing issues such as non-functional medical equipment, a closed intensive care unit, delays in CT scan installation, and poorly equipped theatres.
They also raised concerns about lack of departmental accreditation, which they say is extending training periods and forcing doctors to seek costly external postings.
“There’s a severe shortage of manpower, poor accommodation for house officers, some of whom are sleeping in call rooms, and a critical shortage of drugs and medical supplies,” the statement noted.
The doctors further demanded the payment of 13 months’ revised CONMESS arrears, 24 months of unpaid accoutrement allowance, and other delayed entitlements.
They warned that unless significant improvements are made by their next meeting on June 19, they will proceed with an indefinite strike.
Despite the protest, the ARD reaffirmed its commitment to patient care and staff wellbeing.
