Ondo medical doctors suspend strike

By Akintunde Jacobs, Akure

Striking medical doctors in Ondo state have suspended their strike.

Recall that the striking doctors have being on strike for almost 12 weeks now before they called off the strike on Wednesday.

The State Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association NMA, Stella Adegbehingbe made this known at an interactive session with medical practitioners which was organized by the House Committee at the Assembly Complex in Akure.

Recall that on June 11, 2021 medical doctors employed by the Ondo state government embarked on a two week warning strike for better working conditions.

The effect of the strike on the health system worsened following the announcement by the National Association of Resident Doctors to also go on strike.

The industrial action which is happening amid fresh wave of coronavirus pandemic and raging cholera spells the need for concerned authorities to proffer lasting solutions to the requests made by the striking doctors.

This informed the interactive session between the house committee and the representatives of medical practitioners in the state.

Abiodun Faleye, the Chairman, house committee on health, however, appealed to the striking doctors to prioritize the health of residents and call of their strike in earnest.

Adegbehingbe, who called on the State government to do needful by giving attention to the welfare of medical personnel and other health workers for effective health delivery, lamented that the strike has increased mortality rate due patronage of quack.

The NMA chairman also appealed to government to address the challenge of inadequate facilities, training, shortage of manpower among others.

Falaye, however, gave assurance that the legislative arm would liaise with the executive in finding lasting solution to the issue.