Resident doctors at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, have commenced an indefinite strike to protest the prolonged blackout affecting their residential quarters.
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) announced the industrial action on Monday, with its General Secretary, Dr. Uthman Adedeji, stating that the strike was necessary due to the partial restoration of electricity to the hospital’s residential areas.
Despite the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) reconnecting UCH after more than 100 days without power, some sections of the doctors’ quarters remain in darkness, prompting the association to follow through on its planned action.
“Arising from the just-concluded Emergency General Meeting of ARD UCH, which was convened to appraise the current situation, it was observed that while a part of the residential quarters had been reconnected, some other parts were still left in darkness,” Dr. Adedeji said.
“In light of the prevailing circumstances, we are left with no other option than to embark on the earlier planned total and indefinite strike until all residential quarters are taken care of.”
The association acknowledged the efforts of the UCH management in addressing the power crisis but insisted that more needed to be done to ensure an uninterrupted power supply.
The strike is expected to impact hospital operations, as resident doctors play a crucial role in patient care and medical services.
Dr. Adedeji assured that the association would continue to monitor the situation and review its stance as needed.
