Resident doctors at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH) have initiated a one-week warning strike.
The doctors have ceased work due to what they claim is the government’s lack of concern for critical issues that affect patient care and the training of resident doctors in the state.
Dr. Harrison Udjah, President of the Association of Resident Doctors at DELSUTH, addressed the media in Asaba, stating that the prevailing conditions were contributing to increased mortality rates and demanded immediate action.
He emphasized that the funding provided by the state government to the hospital is insufficient and needs to be increased to improve health care delivery in the state.
Additionally, he and his colleagues are raising concerns about the worsening infrastructure at the hospital.
He said, “Despite recent renovations, the ongoing decay of the hospital is glaringly evident. The elevator has never functioned, plumbing remains as problematic as it was before the refurbishment, fixtures are falling apart and the air conditioning units and fans have all malfunctioned. working within the hospital has become an extremely distressing experience due to these issues.”
The doctors are also troubled by the condition of the equipment at the hospital.
They consider the CT scan, MRI, mammography, endoscopy, orthopedic, anesthetic machines, ventilators, multiparameter monitors, and electroencephalography machines to be outdated.
Additionally, they are concerned about the “poor salary structure,” which they claim is driving doctors to seek better opportunities abroad.
“We urge all concerned parties to impress upon the state government the importance of adequately funding the highest referral centre in Delta State,” Dr Udjah said.