Resident doctors and consultants of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Awka, Anambra State, are warming up for another round of industrial action following what they described as the failure of government and negotiation team to resolve a seven months crisis.

A statement made available to journalists in Awka expressed concern over the State Government’s delay in approving and implementing the Consolidated Medical Salary Scheme (CONNESS) template agreed by the committee set up by the State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, on July 4, 2019.

The statement signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, Dr Chukwudi Okani and Prof Obiora Ejiofor respectively, maintained that members have shown maturity and patience for four months despite being promised that the issue would be resolved in one month.

The statement reads in part: “The Congress note with concern the delay of the state government at approving and implementing the Consolidated Medical Salary Scheme CONNESS template agreed at the Committee set up by His Excellency on the 4th of July 2019.

“The NDCAN noted that her members had shown maturity and patience for four months despite being promised that the issue would be resolved in one month.

“However the Congress found it expedient to sheath their sword as a mark of respect and honour to His Excellency the Executive Governor of Anambra State whom we know is favourably disposed at alleviating our suffering at COOUTH Amaku-Awka.”

The Congress resolved to embark on an indefinite industrial action as from midnight of November 30, 2019 “without any further deliberation on the floor of the house if the State Government fails to reciprocate the trust and confidence MDCAN reposes in her by delaying to sign, implement and commence the payment of the agreed salaries on or before the 30th of November 2019.”

When contacted the Chief Medical Director, Dr Basil Nwankwo, declined comment, nothing that the report of the Audit committee on the matter has not been officially made available as a working document.

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