November 24, (THEWILL) – The Association of Residents Doctors (ARD), Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, has suspended its planned indefinite strike action.
The association, in a letter signed by its President and General Secretary, Dr Usha Anenge and Dr. Kator, had communicated the resumption of a total indefinite strike effective Thursday, November 24, 2022.
However, in another statement on Thursday, the association said they are suspending the strike action, having reached a resolution.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Medical Director, BSUTH, Makurdi, Professor Terrumun Swende and signed by its executives, the association said it was part of its resolution at the congress held on 24th November 2022, that the strike action is suspended.
The letter signed by the president, Usha Anenga and made available to newsmen in Makurdi, said “this became necessary following a meeting with the Executive Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, represented by his Deputy, Engr. Benson Abounu.”
Usha said during the meeting, Governor Ortom promised to pay them the 2022 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), within the next 10 days, which the congress accepted.
“We, therefore, commend the exemplary effort of Governor Samuel Ortom, concerning the welfare of our members over the years and at this instance. We also specially thank the Deputy Governor, Engr. Benson Abounu, for his painstaking efforts to resolve this issue”, he said.
The association also appreciated the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Joseph Ngbea, for his relentless assistance; the BSUTH Board Chairman, Dr Emmanuel Omale Oibiokpa, for his fatherly intervention as well as the Chief Medical Director, Professor Terrumun Swende, and other members of the top management for their tenacious efforts.
ARD, therefore, assured of their continued cooperation with all stakeholders.