Resident doctors at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Awka, have suspended their seven-day warning strike after the Anambra State Government approved key welfare demands.
The doctors announced the decision on Saturday in Awka, directing members to resume work by 8:00 a.m. the same day.
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD-COOUTH) said the suspension followed Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s approval of the release of the Medical Residency Training Fund, a 100 per cent salary increase under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), and other allowances. The announcement was contained in a joint statement signed by the association’s President, Dr.Joy Okwumuo, and Secretary, Dr Chukwubuike Ifekudu.
According to the statement, the governor also approved allowances for house officers, rural postings, accoutrements, specialist allowances, and the payment of accumulated arrears, including the 2024 hazard allowance arrears.
“The association reaffirms its commitment to working with the hospital’s Chief Medical Director to ensure full implementation of the approved decisions,” the statement read.
ARD-COOUTH, however, stressed the urgent need for more recruitment of resident doctors and house officers to meet staffing standards in the medical college and reduce brain drain. It also renewed its call for accreditation of Family Medicine, Radiology, and Anaesthesiology departments so its members can sit for professional examinations.
The association expressed gratitude to Governor Soludo, the Head of Service, Commissioner for Health, COOUTH management, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), and the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) for their support during the dispute.
