In a bold move to address persistent power challenges, resident doctors at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan have embarked on an indefinite strike over the incomplete restoration of electricity to their residential quarters. The decision was confirmed on Monday by Dr. Uthman Adedeji, General Secretary of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at UCH.
According to Adedeji, the strike was necessitated by the failure to fully restore power to all residential quarters within the hospital premises. The issue of prolonged power outage in UCH had been a major concern, with doctors and other staff members facing extreme difficulties due to over 100 days of blackout before partial reconnection last Wednesday by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).
Unmet Demands Despite Partial Reconnection
The association had earlier issued a communique warning of an impending indefinite strike if electricity was not fully restored by 4 p.m. on Monday. While efforts were made to reconnect some parts of the residential quarters, others remained in darkness, leading to the decision to proceed with the industrial action.
“Arising from the just-concluded Emergency General Meeting of ARD UCH, which was convened to assess the situation, we observed that while a section of the residential quarters has been reconnected, some others remain without electricity. This is unacceptable,” Adedeji stated.
“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 receive adequate power supply.”
Impact on Healthcare Services and Call for Urgent Resolution
The strike action is expected to significantly impact healthcare services at UCH, a leading tertiary medical institution that caters to a high volume of patients in Oyo State and beyond. Resident doctors play a critical role in patient care, and their absence could strain other healthcare workers, affecting service delivery.
While acknowledging the efforts of UCH management to resolve the issue, Adedeji emphasized that more needs to be done to guarantee an uninterrupted power supply, which is essential for effective medical practice and the well-being of health workers.
“We appreciate the steps taken so far, but we insist that a complete resolution is required before we can resume work. A conducive living environment is non-negotiable for healthcare professionals who dedicate their lives to saving others,” he added.
The association assured that it would continue to assess the situation and provide updates as discussions with relevant stakeholders progress. Meanwhile, patients and their families have expressed concerns over the potential disruption in medical services, urging authorities to intervene swiftly to prevent a prolonged crisis.
As negotiations continue, all eyes are on the hospital management and power distribution company to find a lasting solution that will restore normalcy and allow resident doctors to return to work.
