The Association of Resident Doctors at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital (ESUTH) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Enugu State Government, demanding increased doctor employment and improved security measures.
This ultimatum was declared through a communique released after the Emergency General Meeting held on November 17, 2023, at ESUT Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu. The statement, jointly signed by the President, Dr. Chukwunonso Ofonere, and Secretary General, Dr. Ikemefuna Nnamani, urged ESUT Teaching Hospital management and the Enugu State Government to declare a state of emergency regarding doctor employment in the hospital.
Highlighting the lapse of 120 days since the government’s promise to employ Medical Officers and Resident Doctors, as conveyed by the Secretary to the State Government, the communique expressed disappointment at the absence of any advertised positions.
The Emergency General Meeting acknowledged the Management’s proposed plan for the safety of healthcare professionals in the hospital. However, it extended the initial 14-day ultimatum by an additional 14 days, set to conclude on December 1.
“First, the management should declare state of emergency on the employment of doctors in the hospital. There should be an urgent approval for the recruitment of medical officers, resident doctors and House Officers in the hospital.
“This recruitment should be focused especially at the Accident and Emergency Department, Surgery Department, Internal Medicine Department, Paediatrics Department, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Departments,”.
It noted that resident doctors that had left the institution in the past four years were never replaced.
“Secondly, management should ensure implementation of safety policies to protect her workers against physical attacks and kidnap within one week as promised by the Chief Medical Director (CMD).
“Thirdly, the immediate implementation of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) as our counterpart in other states; even as attached to this communique is the list of the eligible doctors and the financial implications,” it said.
The statement noted that the EGM resolved that after 14 days and the above demands were not met, industrial harmony could not be guaranteed.
