Unpaid Arrears: Benue doctors, dentists set to embark on indefinite strike

By Doosuur Iwambe, Abuja

Medical doctors and dentists under the aegis of National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) in Benue State have threatened an indefinite strike in Benue State over unpaid arrears.

In a letter addressed to the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, the group listed six issues its members have raised concerns about, but the state government has yet to resolve them.

The group therefore directed its members in Benue to commence a total and indefinite industrial action by the end of Monday should the government fail to meet their demands.

This directive was contained in the letter jointly signed by NAGGMDP Chairman in Benue, Dr. Dooga Solomon, as well as the state chapter’s vice chairman and secretary, Dr. John Idikwu and Dr. Agbaji Abraham.

According to them, the union is taking the decision to go on strike following the expiration of the 21 days ultimatum and an extension by two weeks.

The government, the group claimed, has failed to pay adequate and appropriate attention to the plights of the association.

Some of the demands by the health workers include the revitalisation of the secondary level of the healthcare delivery system in Benue, payment of members’ seven months salaries in arrears, and the payment of their COVID-19 inducement allowances.

They also demanded the issuance of permanent and pensionable letters of appointment to all doctors who have completed their bond and are still working with the Hospitals Management Board (HMB), among others.