Healthcare services at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Awka, have been disrupted as resident doctors began a seven-day warning strike, raising fears of setbacks for patients who rely on the facility.
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD COOUTH) confirmed the action in a communique issued after an emergency meeting on Wednesday. The notice, titled Notification of Commencement of Industrial Action, was signed by ARD President, Joy Okwumuo, and Secretary, Chukwubuike Ifekudu.
The strike, which started at noon on Thursday, September 11, stems from what the doctors described as the Anambra State government’s failure to honor repeated promises, including the payment of the full Medical Residency Training Fund pledged since January 2025.
Other grievances listed in the communique include:
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Non-payment of the upwardly revised CONMESS salary structure,
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Non-payment of accoutrement, rural posting, specialist and teaching allowances,
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Accumulated arrears of salaries and benefits,
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Severe shortage of doctors leading to overwork of the available workforce.
The doctors demanded immediate settlement of the MRTF and called for it to be gazetted to avoid recurring delays. They also urged the state to recruit more doctors to meet minimum staffing levels approved by medical colleges in each department.
“ARD COOUTH made several efforts to engage the government since the beginning of this year to ensure the realisation of the promises made that led to the suspension of our last strike in October 2024. Having exhausted one year of patient engagement without any positive response, we regrettably resolved to commence this industrial action,” the communique stated.
The association stressed that the strike is a warning action limited to seven days but could escalate into an indefinite shutdown if demands are not met.
The doctors also recalled that the National Association of Resident Doctors had issued a 10-day ultimatum to the state government on September 1, but no action was taken before the deadline expired.
ARD COOUTH appealed to hospital management, stakeholders, and the public to press the government to act swiftly, warning that prolonged disruption would affect critical services in the state tertiary facility.
“We hope that all demands are met to prevent indefinite industrial action that might be a consequence,” the communique added.
The association also expressed appreciation to individuals and institutions that have consistently supported their welfare, while urging the government to see the strike not as a confrontation but as a call to prioritize healthcare delivery in Anambra State.
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