Resident doctors at the Chukwuemeka OdumegwuOjukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Awka, have commenced a seven-day warning strike to protest poor working conditions and unpaid entitlements. The action, which began at noon on Thursday, 11 September, follows months of unfulfilled promises by the Anambra State Government.
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), COOUTH, said the strike became inevitable after the government failed to release the full Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) promised from January 2025, in addition to other outstanding allowances. These include the revised CONMESS salary structure, accoutrement, rural posting, specialist and teaching allowances, as well as accumulated arrears.
The doctors warned that the strike could escalate into an indefinite action if their demands remain unmet.
In a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting in Awka on Wednesday, ARD COOUTH President, Dr Joy Okwumuo, and Secretary, Dr. ChukwubuikeIfekudu, explained that doctors at the hospital have been overstretched due to a shortage of health workers. They urged the government to urgently employ more doctors in line with approved staffing standards for medical colleges.
“ARD COOUTH made several efforts to engage the government since the beginning of this year to ensure the fulfilment of promises made, which led to the suspension of the previous industrial action on 4 October 2024,” the communiqué stated.
“Having exhausted one year waiting without any positive response, ARD COOUTH regrettably resolved to commence this industrial action.”
The association added that its decision followed the expiration of a 10-day ultimatum earlier issued by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) in a letter dated 1 September.
Appealing for public understanding, ARD COOUTH called on hospital management, relevant authorities, and the general public to prevail on the state government to take urgent action, warning that further delay would disrupt healthcare delivery in Anambra.
“We hope that all demands are met to prevent indefinite industrial action that might follow,” the doctors said.
