Imo health crisis: Arrange to transfer patients to other states, Imo NMA tells hospitals

From Athan Agbakwuru, Owerri

As the ongoing indefinite strike action by Imo State medical doctors continues,  the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, in the state has advised heads of public and private medical institutions in the state to make adequate arrangements to transfer their patients outside the state to ensure care.

The association which gave the advice yesterday in a press statement made available to newsmen in Owerri declared its bold resolve to continue the ongoing indefinite strike action until the state government attends to their demands.

In the statement signed by the State Chairman of the association, Dr Chidiebere Okwara,

Dr Kingsley Nwafor and Dr Uzoma Ohadinma, secretary and public relations officer, respectively, the association said it would however remain open and ready to work with the government towards timely amicable resolution of the industrial action.

Dr Okwara who explained that the group would continue to review the situation as the need arises hinted that all federal health facilities including the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Owerri will continue to work until Wednesday 9th December, 2020 when they will join the strike for some days.

He added that all private health facilities would also be open to serve the masses for now, because of their concern for the health of Imolites, but warned that both federal and private health facilities will be closed down as well, if the industrial action lingers.

Okwara recalled that the ongoing indefinite strike was commenced on 24th November, after government failed to meet its agreements with the association after the expiration of the two weeks extension of strike ultimatum.

The chairman listed the demands of Imo NMA to include; immediate implementation of the consolidated medical salary structure, CONMESS, 2014 Circular for all doctors in Imo State health institutions and facilities, payment of outstanding salary arrears and all salary shortfalls  owed Imo State University Teaching Hospital, IMSUTH, doctors and others from March 2020 to date

Others include; restoration of lost accreditation status for Imo State University College of Medicine and some faculties of IMSUTH at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, tackling infrastructural gaps, payment of COVID-19 special allowances for all doctors who were frontline workers during the heat of the pandemic and several others.