PATIENTS DESERT ENUGU HOSPITAL WARDS OVER DOCTOR’S STRIKE

However, a staffer of the hospital, who preferred hidden identity, disclosed to Penpushing that patients were asked to vacate the wards as the few consultants available, could not attend to all the patients.

Penpushing further reports that, the official added that those with critical and emergency cases were asked to remain in the wards for treatment, adding that, at the children’s ward, only two children were left due to the severity of their health challenges as they had oxygen max on.

The Chairman, Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Enugu State Chapter, Dr Ike Okwesili noted that the impact of the strike was compounding hardships of patients, especially in terms of logistics.

Penpushing reports that, the association boss added that the body had met with stakeholders with a view to preventing the strike but to no avail as the state government was yet to resolve the issue.

He explained that there had been a disparity in the case of Enugu State as the allowances which Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH) Doctors were asking for were paid to Doctors in the Ministry of Health, leaving those of Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH) resident doctors.

Penpushing recalled  that the Doctors, commenced strike on November 28, to protest the disparity in payment of salaries of Doctors in the State Health ministry and those of Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH) by the State Government.