Medical doctors in public hospitals in Ogun State are to begin a week long warning strike on Monday to press home their demands.

The doctors, under the aegis of National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners, Ogun chapter, made this known in a communique issued on Sunday.

‎The communiqué was on issues discussed at an emergency meeting of the association last Wednesday.

The association said the industrial action had become imperative after exploring all avenues to get the attention of the state government on issues affecting the health system in the state.

The communiqué, signed by its chairman and secretary, Dr Oladunni Adetola and Dr Adetonwa Festus respectively, said that series of letters were written to Gov. Ibikunle Amosun on their demands without positive response.

According to the communiqué, the issues of concern raised in the letter included the need to restructure health facilities, shortage of staff and relativity in salary.

The association explained that little or nothing had been achieved in the health sector due to lack of materials, equipment ‎and good working environment.

The body also identified shortage of staff across all cadres of ‎the health sector, adding that there had been no new recruitment in the last two to three years, despite the increasing demands on the sector.

The group also noted with dismay, the refusal of the state government to respect a circular by the Federal Government since 2013 on the need for all states to effect the payment of corrected CONMESS of over 20 years on doctor’s salary.

It added that the state government had been using the same circular to pay doctors in teaching hospitals in the last 10 months.

“After series of letters to the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, both official and personal, as well as sensitisation of all other stakeholders, the government has not seen any reason to attend to any of the aforementioned issues ravaging the health sectors.

“Having fulfilled all necessary steps needed to ensure dialogue with the government and at the expiration of the 21-day ultimatum given to the state government with no favourable response.

“The members of the association have therefore mandated ‎the executive members to declare a one week warning strike starting from March 7 to March 13.

“We are not unmindful of the inconveniences this might cause the masses which we greatly regret.

“We need to affirm our resolution to resolve these issues amicably through genuine dialogue so as to avert any prolonged industrial disharmony in the state.” (NAN)

Meanwhile, the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Osun State chapter took to the streets at the weekend, calling for stiffer penalty for anyone caught perpetrating violence against women and children.

The solidarity march took place at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), Ile-Ife.

The protesters expressed their grievance against a paramilitary officer, Dr Chukwuemeka Okpara, who is alleged to have assaulted a female colleague, Dr. Theresa Ugilahi, over parking space at their residence on February 15, 2016.

With placards reading several inscriptions like ‘Justice for Dr Theresa’ and ‘No More Violence Against Women,’ they were received by the Chief Medical Director of the teaching hospital, Professor Victor Adetiloye.

Professor Adetiloye told newsmen that although the male doctor that was involved in the fracas had been queried; the report of the panel that was set up to look into the matter was still being expected.

“The military headquarters got in touch with us and they have tendered their apologies.”

The protesters, however, insisted that the Air Force should also set up a panel to investigate the matter.

Dr Chukwuemeka Okpara, a Wing Commander of the Air Force is a Senior Registrar in the Department of Community Medicine at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, while Dr Theresa Ugilahi is also a Senior Registrar at the Mental Health Department of the same institution.

•Based on NAN and Channels TV reports. Photo shows protesting doctors.

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