The doctors under the aegis of the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria, MDCAN, commenced a one-week warning strike on May 18. According to the association, the industrial action is aimed at compelling the Delta State Government to implement the Revised Professional Allowances currently enjoyed by doctors in federal health institutions and urgently address the poor state of the hospital.

The situation is getting more serious by the day. The doctors also accused hospital authorities of attempting to suppress growing concerns over the condition of the institution through intimidation and media management tactics rather than addressing the underlying problems. They're using these tactics instead of fixing the real issues. In a press statement jointly signed by the Chairmen, Dr. Abolodje Efe and Secretary, Dr. Nwajei Anita after an Emergency General Meeting, EGM, MDCAN said the response of the Ministry and hospital management to the doctors’ demands had included coercive measures targeted at the union leadership.

The association described these actions as victimisation and warned that continued intimidation of its leadership could worsen the already tense situation within the hospital. They're worried it could make things worse. The doctors also alleged attempts to prevent independent assessment of the hospital’s condition after Channels Television was invited by the association for a fact-finding mission to the hospital but was allegedly denied access by the management.

The dispute centres on allegations of worsening infrastructure decay, non-functional equipment and deteriorating welfare conditions, which doctors say are fueling an exodus of specialists from the institution. These conditions are forcing specialists to leave. MDCAN alleged that several doctors have continued to leave DELSUTH for neighbouring federal institutions including the National Orthopaedic Hospital and the Federal Medical Centre due to the failure to implement the Revised Professional Allowances approved by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, NSIWC.

“Doctors are leaving in droves because welfare conditions are no longer sustainable,” the association stated. It's clear they can't afford to stay. The doctors warned that if urgent intervention isn't made by the Delta State Government, the looming indefinite strike could cripple clinical services, disrupt residency training programmes and destabilise the medical school programme linked to the teaching hospital. This could have serious consequences for the people of Delta State. MDCAN urged the Delta State Government to immediately intervene to prevent a looming healthcare crisis at the state-owned tertiary hospital.

They stressed that the warning strike, which began on May 18, is expected to continue through the week as uncertainty grows over possible negotiations between the doctors, hospital management, and state authorities. It's uncertain what will happen next. The people of Delta State deserve better than a hospital that's struggling to provide basic care. They won't get the care they need if the hospital isn't functioning properly.

  • The warning strike began on May 18
  • The doctors are demanding the implementation of the Revised Professional Allowances
  • The hospital is facing allegations of worsening infrastructure decay and non-functional equipment
  • Several doctors have left DELSUTH for neighbouring federal institutions
  • The Delta State Government has been urged to intervene to prevent a looming healthcare crisis

The Delta State Government needs to take action and address the concerns of the doctors. They can't ignore the issue. The people of Delta State are counting on them to ensure that the hospital is functioning properly and providing the best possible care. They're relying on the government to fix the problem. It's not just about the hospital - it's about the future of healthcare in the state. If the government doesn't act now, the consequences could be severe. They won't be able to recover from the damage.

The situation continues to unfold, and it's clear the doctors won't back down until their demands are met. They're determined to get what they want. They're not just fighting for themselves - they're fighting for the patients who rely on the hospital for care. These patients need the hospital to survive. It's a battle that's been brewing for a long time, and it's time for the government to take notice. They can't afford to wait any longer. The fate of DELSUTH and the people of Delta State hang in the balance. Their future is uncertain.