The striking resident doctors of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital, Awka, have suspended their indefinite industrial action which they embarked upon in May following the State Government’s inability to honour its agreement to fully implement the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for doctors and upgrade diagnostic facilities as befitting of a tertiary health centre.

Recall that the state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, waded into the matter to resolve it but failed as the striking doctors insisted on getting an improved working condition before they wouldl return to work.

However, in a statement released at the end of its general congress held on Monday, July 15, 2019, the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) COOUTH said that there has been a consensus by all concerned parties that the resident doctors’ struggle is just and therefore the need to address their challenges in order to retain trained experienced personnel and improve the standard of clinical services in COOUTH.

The association said that it also took cognizance of the resolution of the NMA leadership and elders meeting which advised ARD to suspend the strike for one month along with the medical and dental consultants association of Nigeria (MDCAN).

In the statement by its President, Dr Obinna Aniagboso, the association observed as that “the ongoing indefinite industrial action which commenced on 13th May 2019 was due to the failure of the state government to honor its agreement to implement full CONMESS for doctors and upgrade diagnostic facilities as befitting of a tertiary health centre.

“We noted the request of His Excellency for ARD to suspend its strike in order to give government a little time to complete the ongoing personnel audit and financial analysis.

“We also took cognizance of the resolution of the NMA leadership and elders meeting which advised ARD to suspend the strike for one month along with the medical and dental consultants association of Nigeria (MDCAN).

“We considered the plight of our teeming patients who have become stranded and deprived of quality care throughout our protracted industrial action.

“We also accepted the concessions made by management on internal issues bordering on conditions of service and withheld remuneration, and intend to cooperate to ensure its full implementation.”

The association further condemned the infusion of personal interest into its struggle by some elements and the attempt to use ARD to achieve inordinate personal ambitions noting that ARD has never advocated for the removal of the CMD, Dr Basil Nwankwo.

It added that “considering the foregoing, the general congress passed a resolution to suspend its industrial action for one month and to resume work on Wednesday July 17, 2019 by 8am. We take this bold step in good faith with the expectation that the state government and management of COOUTH will not relent in their end until our agreed objectives are fully actualised.”