Doctors shelve planned strike in Borno

Medical Doctors in Specialists Hospital in Maiduguri the Borno state capital have suspended their planned strike following an agreement reached with the state government. They had planned to embark on an indefinite strike on Aug. 5, to protest non-payment of eight month salaries and allowances. A Communiqué signed by Dr Mathew Aristotle, the Liaison Officer […]

Medical Doctors in Specialists Hospital in Maiduguri the Borno state capital have suspended their planned strike following an agreement reached with the state government.

They had planned to embark on an indefinite strike on Aug. 5, to protest non-payment of eight month salaries and allowances.

A Communiqué signed by Dr Mathew Aristotle, the Liaison Officer of the house officers of the hospital on Monday, announced the suspension of the planned action.

The doctors said the development followed interventions by concern citizens and organisations, leading to series of mediation between the doctors and management of the hospital.

It stated that the doctors were not paid salaries for between three and eight months in spite of directives by Gov. Babagana Zulum to upset their outstanding salaries and allowances.

“The medical doctors involved are denied their salary arrears ranging from three to eight months in spite the directives by Gov. Zulum to resolve the matter about three months ago.

“The board and hospital’s administration be given five working days between Aug. 5 and Aug. 9 to intervene by meeting those responsible and bring an end to this lingering impasse.

“The Medical Doctors House Officers hereby rescind its earlier decision to embark on industrial action on Monday,’’ it said.

The communique lauded Zulum for his concern for the doctors’ plight, and commitments to reposition healthcare service delivery in the state.

It also commended individuals and organizations, who facilitate mediation between the doctors and hospital management to ensure amicable solution to the problem. (NAN)