Health
UCH Resident Doctors Threaten Indefinite Strike Over Prolonged Power Outage
By Gideon Ayeni
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, has issued a stern warning that its members will embark on an indefinite strike if electricity is not restored to their residential quarters. The decision was contained in a communiqué released after an emergency meeting.
Although the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) reconnected UCH to the national grid on February 12 following a 100-day blackout, residential areas remain in darkness. The doctors, led by chapter president Gboyega Ajibola and general secretary Uthman Adedeji, expressed frustration over the lingering outage, noting that their quarters are equipped with prepaid meters that have substantial credit balances.
The ARD leadership stated that all efforts to engage UCH management on the issue had been exhausted, prompting the emergency congress. In their resolution, they demanded that power be fully restored to all affected areas, including East Gate Road and Circular Road near the College of Medicine, by 4:00 p.m. on Monday.
“Failure to restore power as requested will leave us with no choice but to commence a total and indefinite strike,” the communiqué read. The doctors also insisted on being included in all critical discussions regarding the hospital’s power supply, particularly as the unbundling process of UCH’s electrical power blocs progresses.
In addition to the power crisis, the doctors resolved to send a strongly worded letter to UCH Chief Medical Director (CMD), Jesse Otegbayo, detailing their grievances and copying relevant stakeholders. They further urged the CMD to fast-track the payment of the 75% accoutrement allowance for 2024 and prioritize their welfare.
“We also demand the continued provision of ‘call food’ for resident doctors working extended hours,” the communiqué added, underscoring the need for sustained support for frontline healthcare workers.
As tensions rise, all eyes are on UCH management to address the demands and prevent a strike that could disrupt critical healthcare services in the institution.
(With additional information from Oyo Affairs)
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