Association of Resident Doctors Gombe State chapter on Monday, abandoned their duty post due to the ongoing industrial action.
Our correspondent observed that, some patients were left in the care of senior medical officers, in consultant cadre, which elongated patients’ stay.
A patient Adamu Suleiman, who spoke with our correspondent, said he had a long wait at the General Out Patient Ward before he was finally attended to.
He said, “I spent over 5 hours because I wanted to see a doctor, I didn’t know they were on strike, I would have postponed my coming.”
Speaking with one of our correspondents, the President of Association of Resident Doctors Dr. Nuhu James, said their strike action is total, adding that unlike the previous industrial action where concession was given to some doctors who operate in isolation centre, this one no everyone is involved.
He said, “We know it will not be easy on the patients especially for clinicals because the resident doctors constitute a bulk of the work force of the hospitals across the country. All our members are involved.”
When asked if the doctors tending after active covid-19 patients were exempted from the strike.
James added, “No exemption, it 100 percent and it is indefinite. Government should quickly do the needful, in ensuring that the issues are attended to so that members can go back to work so that Nigerians can access quality healthcare.”