The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, has commenced a five-day warning strike, effective Thursday at 12:30 p.m. This decisive action follows an assault on a doctor and persistent, unresolved security challenges within the hospital premises.
The ARD, following an Emergency General Meeting, issued a communique signed by its President, Dr. Olanipekun Quadri, and General Secretary, Dr. Olorunfemi Solomon. The association emphasized that the recent assault is indicative of a broader pattern of aggression and insecurity faced by medical professionals at the facility.
Key unresolved issues contributing to the strike include inadequate compensation for house officers who suffered personal losses during a theft, poor lighting in areas designated for night duties, and critically, porous security in the Emergency Treatment Room (ETR). The ARD highlights the ETR’s susceptibility to unauthorized access, exposing staff to confrontation. Furthermore, the association noted the insufficient deployment of security personnel, including armed guards, in strategic locations.
The ARD has put forth several demands to rectify the situation, including immediate compensation for affected house officers, deployment of armed security personnel, enhanced security and access control at the ETR, and improved lighting. Additional demands encompass a public rebuttal of misinformation, clear admission and emergency protocols, relocation of payment points, CCTV installation, elimination of the ETR waiting area, and prompt prosecution of the individual responsible for the recent assault.
While open to dialogue, the ARD stresses that this warning strike does not supersede their previously issued 21-day ultimatum. The association urges hospital management to implement immediate, concrete measures to ensure the safety and well-being of healthcare workers, thereby safeguarding patient safety and ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of quality healthcare services.
