The Association of Resident Doctors of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Enugu State Government, demanding immediate action to address critical staffing shortages and ensure the safety of healthcare workers.

According to Vanguard, the ultimatum was issued on Saturday following an Emergency General Meeting held on Friday, November 17, 2023, at the ESUT Teaching Hospital in Parklane, Enugu. 

The communique, signed jointly by ARD-ESUT President Dr. Chukwunonso Ofonere and Secretary General Dr. Ikemefuna Nnamani, outlined the association’s concerns and outlined specific demands.

The association highlighted the urgent need for increased staffing, particularly in crucial departments such as Accident and Emergency, Surgery, Internal Medicine, Paediatrics, and Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 

They emphasized the lack of replacements for resident doctors who have left the institution over the past four years, exacerbating the staffing crisis.

Furthermore, the communique stressed the importance of implementing safety measures to protect healthcare workers from physical attacks and kidnappings. This request echoes the promise made by the Chief Medical Director (CMD) to address these safety concerns.

“First, the management should declare state of emergency on the employment of doctors in the hospital. There should be an urgent approval for the recruitment of medical officers, resident doctors and House Officers in the hospital.

“This recruitment should be focused especially at the Accident and Emergency Department, Surgery Department, Internal Medicine Department, Paediatrics Department, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Departments,”.

“Secondly, management should ensure implementation of safety policies to protect her workers against physical attacks and kidnap within one week as promised by the Chief Medical Director (CMD).

“Thirdly, the immediate implementation of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) as our counterpart in other states; even as attached to this communique is the list of the eligible doctors and the financial implications,” the communique read.

The ARD-ESUT has made it clear that if their demands remain unmet after the 14-day ultimatum expires, industrial harmony cannot be guaranteed.