THE Association of Resident Doctors of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) in Anambra, has expressed optimism towards reaching a favourable resolution with the state government to end the indefinite strike tomorrow.
President of the association,Dr. Obinna Anigbaoso told The ICIR on phone that, the government would be having a meeting tomorrow, May 16th, with the resident doctors.
“I am hopeful, that the governor [Willie Obiano]will meet with us tomorrow,” but he added that the strike would continue because the Congress has not yet reverted their resolutions.
He explained that, compared to their colleagues in other federal and state hospitals, who are paid with a national scale, health workers in Anambra received a lower salary, hence, an exodus of resident doctors to other states.
Governor Obinao had issued a press release on Monday, through the Commissioner for Information & Public Enlightenment, Mr C.Don Adinuba pleading all resident doctors, to exercise patience, as the government is about to review the salaries of all public servants in the state.
Don Adinuba told The ICIR in an interview that the Anambra state belongs to the doctors because they are major stakeholders.
He said the government would do everything to address their problem.
“The governor came in last night, and his readiness to meet doctors tomorrow shows the government’s willingness to listen, and if the two parties come to a compromise, then the strike would be called off immediately.”
He said the state is currently reviewing workers salary, even as they await completion of the national minimum wage.
“We plead the doctors to have a change of mind, and be patient with the government, between now and when the national minimum wage is implemented. We want to be the first to start paying them the new minimum wage,” Adinuba said.