Resident doctors at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Awka, have begun a seven-day warning strike to press for better working conditions.
This was announced in a communique issued after an emergency meeting of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) held on Wednesday in Awka, the Anambra State capital.
The communique, titled Notification of Commencement of Industrial Action, was signed by ARD President, Dr. Joy Okwumuo, and Secretary, Dr. Chukwubuike Ifekudu. It stated that the strike officially began at noon on Thursday.
According to the doctors, the action followed several failed attempts to get the Anambra government to pay the 100 per cent Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), which it had promised since January 2025.
The doctors also listed other grievances, including the non-payment of the revised CONMESS salary structure, as well as accoutrement, rural posting, specialist, and teaching allowances.
They added that accumulated arrears remain unpaid and that a shortage of doctors has left the available resident doctors overworked.
The ARD demanded immediate payment of the MRTF and called on the government to make it a permanent policy, so as to avoid repeated cases of non-payment.
They also urged the government to hire more doctors to meet the required number approved by medical colleges for each department.
The association noted that it had engaged the state government several times since early 2025, following promises made when a previous strike was suspended on October 4, 2024.
However, they said the government failed to act, even after a 10-day ultimatum issued by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on September 1.
“Having waited for one year without results, ARD COOUTH has no choice but to commence this industrial action,” the communique stated.
The doctors warned that if their demands are not met within the seven-day strike, they may embark on an indefinite industrial action.
They also appealed to the hospital management, stakeholders, and the public to urge the government to address the issues urgently for smooth healthcare delivery.
“ARD COOUTH hopes these matters are resolved soon to prevent disruptions in the state’s tertiary health services. We thank all individuals and institutions who have consistently supported our welfare,” the statement concluded.
