AWKA, Nigeria — The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Awka, has suspended its seven-day warning strike following the approval of key demands by Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.
In a statement jointly signed by ARD-COOUTH President, Dr. Joy Okwumuo, and Secretary, Dr. Chukwubuike Ifekudu, and released on Saturday in Awka, the doctors directed their members to resume duty at 8:00 a.m. the same day.
The strike, which began on Thursday, was called to press for improved working conditions and payment of entitlements. According to the association, the suspension followed the governor’s approval of the release of the Medical Residency Training Fund and a 100 per cent upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Scale (CONMESS), effective by the end of September.
The doctors also confirmed that allowances for house officers, rural postings for previously skipped departments, accoutrement and specialist allowances pegged at CONMESS 5 step 5, as well as accumulated arrears—including the outstanding 2024 hazard allowance—were approved.
ARD-COOUTH reaffirmed its commitment to working with the hospital’s Chief Medical Director to ensure smooth implementation of these decisions. It also stressed the need for urgent recruitment of resident doctors and house officers to meet medical college staffing requirements and reduce brain drain.
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The association further urged the accreditation of Family Medicine, Radiology, and Anaesthesiology departments to allow members sit for their professional examinations.
The doctors expressed appreciation to Governor Soludo, the Head of Service, the Commissioner for Health, COOUTH management, the Nigerian Medical Association, and the National Association of Resident Doctors for their support in resolving the dispute.
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