Resident doctors at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) have joined the seven-day warning strike initiated by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
Dr. Dumbari Mbooh, President of the Association of Resident Doctors UPTH Chapter, confirmed to Channels Television on Monday that the strike is in solidarity with Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, who was kidnapped eight months ago in Kaduna.
Dr. Mbooh explained that the decision to participate in the strike follows the directive from the National Executive Council of NARD.
He called on the Federal Government to enhance security and address various national challenges.
He added that if Dr. Popoola is not released by the end of the seven-day warning strike, the doctors at UPTH are prepared to escalate to a full strike.
A visit to several wards and departments in the hospital revealed minimal activity, with only a few doctors available and patients waiting for care.
The NARD President, Dr. Dele Abdullahi, announced the strike following a virtual Emergency National Executive Council meeting held on Sunday, August 25, 2024.
He stated that the warning strike would last one week and would be complete, with no emergency services provided.