FMC Abeokuta discharges patients,as joins NARD strike

Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Abeokuta has started discharging patients
on admission as members of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) begin indefinite
nationwide strike.The National President of NARD, Dr Okhuaihesuyi Uyilawa, announced the strike during the association’s
National Executive Council meeting in Umuahia on Sunday.

He said that the strike followed the expiration of the 113 days ultimatum earlier issued to states and the Federal Government to address welfare, training and service delivery issues to members.NAN correspondent who visited the hospital reports that normal activities
were reduced as some patients were turned back.The few consultant physicians on duty could not fill in for the jobs of the resident doctors as their capacity was restricted.

A nurse who spoke with NAN said that patients who were on admission were asked to pay their bills and go home or seek care elsewhere.Some patients expressed regret at the situation and appealed to government to expedite action toward finding a lasting solution to the perennial strike by doctors all the time.

The NARD Chairman at the centre, Dr Busuyi Adebiyi, told NAN that the strike was a directive from the national body, hence all affiliates must join.He noted that “until a counter directive is received, the strike goes on.“It’s a nationwide strike, so all affiliates are expected to join, so doctors at the Federal Medical Centre are
not working.”

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