Members of the Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, Kogi State, are refusing to respond to a query issued to them, insisting on commencing an indefinite strike.
Last week, the doctors staged a protest within the hospital premises citing a shortage of staff and excessive workload. They urged the management to address these issues.
Dr. Umar Jimoh, the President of ARD at the hospital, highlighted a significant reduction in the doctor’s population over four years, resulting in an overwhelming workload for the remaining staff.
In response to the protest, the hospital management issued a query to the executive members of the association on Thursday, dated May 2, 2024.
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The query, titled ‘Query on misconduct,’ outlined several alleged acts of misconduct, including going on strike without following due process, protesting without prior notice, unilaterally dismissing a food vendor, and refusing duty without permission.
The ARD chairman, Jimoh, stated that they would not respond to the query, emphasizing their intention to proceed with an indefinite strike if their grievances are not addressed within a two-week ultimatum.
He criticized the Chief Medical Director for not addressing their concerns despite prior notifications and highlighted the constitutional right to peaceful protest.
Additionally, he defended the dismissal of the food vendor, citing poor food quality.
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