Doctors Strike Disrupts Health Services in Abuja

The Doctor’s strike  is already taking its toll  on Abuja,the nation’s capital,as health services in the  have been stopped following the start of the Industrial action by the Nigeria Medical Association.

For instance at the National Hospital Abuja,only patients with emergency cases are given medical attention while minor cases are referred to perhaps private  clinics.

At the Wuse General Hospital in the Federal Capital Territory, Patients were turned back and were advised to seek medical attention in Private hospitals.

Tayo Haastrup,the Public Relations Officer at the National Hospital who s,”The Hospital Management has met earlier  and had decided that emergency cases must still receive prior attention.

We would put everything in place to ensure that patients who are to be discharged are  discharged and those that are not due for discharge,we would find a way to handle them”

Meanwhile,some of the patients had urged the Federal Government to find a way of resolving the industrial action.

Amaka Ikegwuonu,a patient at the Wuse General Hospital said,”Health is wealth,I don’t think the industrial action is the best way for us now in this country. Let the government act urgently and ensure the hospitals get back to work as should”

Also,some of the officials of the officials of Nigeria Medical Association,(NMA) were seen at various hospitals to ensure their members working at various hospitals comply with the directive of the  National Executive Committee.

Recall,the (NMA) had  earlier in a press Conference on Monday revealed the key issues that still remain unresolved by the Federal  government as,”reserving the position of the chief Medical director to only medical doctors,appointment of Surgeon General of the Federation,passage of the National Health Bill and providing security for the Doctors”

Also,increase in  duty hazards and specialist allowance as well as budget for residency training programme.

It further called for the integration of its members into Integrated Payment Payroll system, (IPPS) platform and reserving the title of consultants to only medical Doctors among others.

Harrison Edeh, Abuja