Resident doctors in Abia State have announced their decision to join the ongoing nationwide strike, a move expected to disrupt medical services in public health facilities across the state.
The doctors made this known through their state chapter leadership, explaining that the decision followed consultations with the national body and internal meetings to assess the impact of unresolved issues affecting their welfare and working conditions. They stated that the strike action became necessary after repeated appeals and negotiations failed to yield meaningful results.
According to the resident doctors, key concerns include delays in payment of salaries and allowances, inadequate funding of hospitals, poor working environments, and challenges related to training and career development. They noted that these issues have continued to affect service delivery and place undue pressure on healthcare workers.
The association emphasized that the strike is not intended to cause harm to patients but to draw attention to systemic problems within the healthcare sector. They explained that without proper support, equipment, and motivation, it becomes increasingly difficult to provide quality medical care.
Hospital managements across the state have reportedly begun implementing contingency plans, while patients have been advised to seek alternative arrangements where possible. Emergency services are expected to be minimally maintained, in line with strike guidelines.
The Abia State Government has been urged to engage in constructive dialogue with the doctors to prevent a prolonged shutdown of health services. Residents of the state have expressed concern about the impact of the strike, particularly on vulnerable patients who rely on public hospitals for care.
As the strike commences, the resident doctors reaffirmed their willingness to return to work once their demands are addressed, stressing that improved welfare and working conditions will ultimately benefit both healthcare workers and the public.