FMC Makurdi Engages NMA Over Strike

The Management of Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Makurdi, has commenced discussion with striking members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in the state.

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital, Dr Peteru Inunduh, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Makurdi on Wednesday.

Inunduh said that series of consultations were ongoing between the management and NMA affiliates at the centre to end the industrial action.

He said that all issues raised by the striking doctors were attended to even before the commencement of the strike on Oct. 11. He said the issues leading to the strike were similar issues to those of National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) and the Joint Health Sector Unions, (JOHESU).

He added that the issue was already been addressed by the Federal Government. The medical director said that he was not aware of any dispute with the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) and NARD at FMC.

He added that the management was in the process of implementing all the recent agreements reached with the federal government.

However, Dr Obekpa Obekpa, the state Chairman of NMA, told newsmen that the Benue Government and the management of FMC were yet to contact them.

“Since the beginning of the indefinite strike, the Benue State Government and Management of FMC, Makurdi, have not invited us for any negotiation.

“This strike has clearly shown the insensitivity of the stakeholders to the plight of the masses.

“This strike has revealed lack of transparency from the stakeholders, it has also revealed leadership gap.

“So, since our demands are genuine for the effective healthcare service delivery in the state, doctors will not go back to work unless their demands are met,” Obekpa said.

Meanwhile, the MDCAN chapter of FMC, Makurdi, has disassociated itself from the strike. Its chairman, Dr Isaac Nombur, told newsmen that members were not part of the ongoing strike.

Newsmen recall that the NMA had on Oct. 11 directed its members to embark on an indefinite strike following government’s inability to meet their demands.

Source: NAN