Anambra doctors embark on strike, allege looting of COVID-19 funds

Resident doctors at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, Anambra State, have embarked on an indefinite strike.

The doctors, who said their action was in line with the directives from the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), also accused politicians in the state of looting funds meant for the COVID-19 pandemic.

This was disclosed on Wednesday in a statement signed by the President and Secretary of COOUTH chapter of NARD, Obinna Aniagboso, and Chidiebele Egolum, respectively.

Read also: ANAMBRA: 4 feared killed, 6 injured as truck rams into bus conveying burial attendees

“We strongly appeal to the Anambra State governor to give our demands the urgent attention they deserve so that we can return to our duty posts soonest to continue providing essential care during this pandemic period.

“We reiterate that payment of COVID-19 hazard and inducement allowance is sancrosanct and non-negotiable.

“It is unconscionable for politicians to fritter away the COVID-19 fund donated by philanthropists while COOUTH doctors who have been on the frontlines exposing themselves to increasing risk with inadequate PPEs continue to earn an insulting hazard allowance of N3,500″, the doctors said.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now