Ogun govt should accede to striking doctors' demand - Group

By Peter Adedoyin 

Members of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP), have appealed to Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun to accede to demands of medical doctors working in the state-owned hospitals across the State, for them to call off their strike.

The Chairman, Ota Zone of the association, Doctor Oluseye Olufunso, who made the call while speaking with newsmen on the sideline of a free medical outreach, in Sango Ota, described the strike as 'additional burden on residents of the State, who are facing economic hardships'.

According to Olufunso, the State government should do everything possible to resolve the ongoing strike, stressing that the strike has left many residents, especially the sick patients without access to medical healthcare.

He noted explained that the governor must as a matter of urgency address the demands of the striking medical doctors in order to restore normalcy in the state's healthcare sector.

Olufunso argued that there is need for government at all levels to prioritize the health sector through improved working conditions and welfare packages for the medical and health workers.

Speaking on the medical outreach, Olufunso said, no fewer than 500 residents will benefit from exercise, which according to him is aimed at educating the residents on the importance of regular health checks, particularly for hypertension, diabetes, dental care and other forms of diseases.

He said, "the outreach is aimed at educating residents on the importance of regular health checks, particularly for hypertension, diabetes, dental care and other forms of diseases".

“Many of these ailments which we pay little or no attention to are reasons for sudden collapse of people which now lead to death”.

“Despite all these challenges, it is very unfortunate that our government still allows the medical doctors to embark on strike over their outstanding demands”.

Olufunso said the sudden collapse of people that lead to death can be put to check if people place premium on their health and the government makes access to healthcare services affordable, as well as free healthcare for the poor and vulnerable.

It will be recalled that medical doctors in Ogun State-owned public hospitals have embarked on an indefinite strike since August 3, following unresolved issues on pay disparity between federal and state medical workers.