The strike by workers at the Federal Medical Centre, (FMC) Yenagoa which commenced on Wednesday has paralysed delivery of medical services as most departments remained locked.

The workers had gathered in group and were instructed by their labour leaders who announced the commencement of the strike.

Addressing the workers, Mr Oginike Lante, Chairman, National Union of Allied Health Professionals, FMC Yenagoa chapter said that they were compelled to commence the indefinite strike after giving 28 days notice to FMC management.

He said that the strike followed persistent short payment of workers’ salaries since January 2016 and failed attempts to resolve the issues with the hospital management.

“We have given the statutory 21 days notice and gave an additional seven days making a total of 28 days, so this strike is in compliance with the provisions of the labour laws.

“We gave the additional seven days to enable management to act and forestall the strike but they did not, so haven exhausted all avenues, the last deadline exprired by 12 am so we officially declare the indefinite strike open.

“We urge you to remain focused and do not be intimidated, go home and remain at home until you hear from us, we are not fighting the management, we are simply demanding for our salary shortfall in full,” Lante said.

The Outpatients clinic, laboratory complex, Physiotherapy and other departments were under locks while the workers were seen going round to ensure compliance to the strike.

Mr Bernard Akpedi, Public Relations Officer, FMC Yenagoa said that the management received the strike notice and appealed to the workers to shelve the plans.

“I am just hearing of the strike, we had appealed to them to be patient as management was working to resolve the short payments caused by budgetary shortfall.

“We got assurances that as from June, we shall be getting our full salaries and arrears and if they have waited from January till date, it is only reasonable that they wait a little more,” Akpedi said.

Mrs Ebi Bofali a patient said that she was surprised to see the laboratory locked when she came to collect the results of the tests conducted on her blood samples.

“The strike is another challenge to those who a having health problems, they should resolve whatever differences they have and let us have services back.

It will be recalled that National Association of Resident Doctors had also commenced a nationwide strike on Monday.

•Photo shows Health Minister, Prof. Isaac Adewole.