President, LUTH Chapter of NARD, Dr Azeez Ojekunle, disclosed on Friday in a chat with Prime Business Africa that if Lagos State Government do not expedite actions to meet their demands, LUTH resident doctors’ strike would continue.
Ojekunle, said members would resume work when the ongoing nationwide doctors’ strike ends, only if the government was willing to resume negotiations to resolve the industrial disharmony.
“There is misinformation that the we at LASUTH-ARD, joined the nationwide strike in solidarity with its national body.
“We hereby set the record straight to citizens of Lagos that there are several local issues affecting the Lagos State Chapter of NARD and the healthcare delivery system.
“As patriotic we have been engaging the government for years now with several correspondences and meetings.
“However, it has been series of unfulfilled promises after four months’ grace period since suspension of the strike.
“Following perceived insensitivity from the government despite all diplomatic measures explored, we were left with no other option than an avoidable industrial action.
“Today marks the 33rd day of the strike with no end in sight at the Lagos State and national levels,” he said.
He said that there had been full compliance with the strike directive in the hospital which, he noted, had affected healthcare delivery.
Ojekunle regretted the impact of the strike on patients, appealing for their understanding.
He demanded that the circular removing House Officers from the state’s scheme of service be withdrawn by government,
He also requested that Medical Residency Training Fund as approved by the state government be released.
The president also called for the recommencement of residential quarters’ project for resident doctors in LASUTH, observing that the project has been abandoned for over a decade.
Ojekunle pledged the association’s commitment to supporting the government to improve the health of Lagos citizens through discharge of its duties and constructive engagements.