The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, has given an ultimatum to the hospital’s management, threatening to embark on an indefinite strike if electricity is not restored to their residential quarters.
Following an emergency meeting on February 14, 2025, the doctors issued a communiqué, which was shared with the press on Monday. This action was taken in response to the ongoing lack of power in the residential areas of the hospital, despite the recent reconnection of UCH to the power grid by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) on February 12.
Details of the Power Disruption
UCH had been without electricity for over 100 days, and although the hospital itself was reconnected, the residential quarters, which include areas like East Gate Road and Circular Road surrounding the College of Medicine, have not been powered up. The doctors emphasized that their quarters have prepaid meters with units worth hundreds of thousands of naira, yet remain without electricity.
The communiqué, signed by ARD President Dr. Gboyega Ajibola and General Secretary Dr. Uthman Adedeji, set a deadline of 4 pm on Monday for the restoration of power. They warned that failure to comply would lead to a “total and indefinite strike” by the chapter’s congress.
Power Supply Discussions
The resident doctors also demanded inclusion in all discussions, meetings, or summons by higher authorities concerning the hospital’s power supply. The communiqué stresses that “The leadership of ARD must be included in all delegations for critical discussions, meetings, or summons by higher authorities concerning power supply in UCH.”
A strongly worded letter detailing the true state of the hospital’s power supply situation was directed to be sent to the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof. Jesse Otegbayo, ensuring all relevant stakeholders were informed. Additionally, the doctors urged the CMD to expedite the payment of the 75% accouterment allowance for 2024, which has been delayed.
Welfare and Support for Resident Doctors
The congress also highlighted the importance of the welfare of resident doctors, pointing out their cooperation and patience over the last 100 days. They demanded the continuation of the “call food” provision for doctors on duty, underscoring that adequate support is crucial for maintaining effective working conditions.
This situation at UCH underscores ongoing challenges with infrastructure and management within public health institutions in Nigeria, potentially affecting patient care if the strike goes ahead.
