Patients in Abuja hospitals are experiencing delays in accessing healthcare services as members of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors begin their seven-day warning strike on Monday.
NARD declared the strike over the abduction of its member, Dr Ganiyat Popoola who was kidnapped at the National Eye Hospital, Kaduna, and has been in the abductors’ den since December 2023.
The strike commenced on Monday, with resident doctors calling for the rescue of Dr Popoola.
Their demand comes after several official letters of request for intervention written to all major stakeholders, including security agencies; peaceful protests, and a two-week deadline for the release of their abducted colleague which already elapsed.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate had also petitioned the National Security Adviser and the Inspector General of Police.
The President of NARD, Dr. Dele Abdullahi said the decision for the strike was taken during its extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held virtually on Sunday.
Abdullahi stated, “The strike commences by midnight today (August 26, 2024, 12 am). It’s for seven days, it’s a warning strike, and it’s total.
“During the strike, there will be no concessions, and there will be no emergency care.”
At the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, patients and their families have been forced to wait longer for essential treatments.
Aisha Johnson, who had an appointment for her chronic respiratory condition, voiced her frustration: “I’ve been waiting for this appointment for weeks. With the strike now, I don’t know when I’ll be seen. It’s really stressful.”
“I overheard that they might stop collecting cards to manage the patients they can,” she added.
Retired teacher, Mrs. Helen Matthew mentioned that the strike had caused significant delays in her medical consultations and treatment.
“I understand the doctors are fighting for a fair cause, but my condition needs prompt attention, especially given my age. I hope this gets resolved soon.”
At the National Hospital, patients also expressed their frustration over the disruptions caused by the delays.
Mrs. Fatima Abu, a mother of three, said she only learned about the strike upon arriving at the hospital.
“Some doctors are here, but the response is slow. I was supposed to be at work today and didn’t expect to be waiting this long. It’s really frustrating,” she said.
Another patient, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared her mixed feelings about the experience.
“After waiting for hours, I was finally seen. I hope the situation improves soon,” she said.
In response to the situation, the President of NARD said the doctors are willing to call off the strike if Dr Popoola is rescued.
“An injury to one is an injury to all, and in a system whereby we need to keep the sanctity of the healthcare workers to do the job appropriately. How well do you think that healthcare workers will work, knowing that you have a member that has been kidnapped for months?
“It was the consideration for the plights of the patients that kept us for this long not to down tool. We have done everything we could to ensure we get the attention of the Federal Government but we are still not getting any form of response.
“We can convince our patients that if we have our members back today, we are willing and ready to return to work and go back to what we are happy doing.”
