Doctors’ Strike: Patients Relocate To Private Hospitals In Anambra As Doctor Shun Journalist

   

Odogwuemekaodogwu.com reports that the strike action embarked  upon by members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) is taking a toll on patients in and around Onitsha.

The strike action where Nigerian doctors are making a 24 point demand tagged “the 24 commandments” from the Federal Government which is still in its first week has paralyzed health activities in all government owned hospitals.

At Onitsha General Hospital situated along Awka Road no doctor was in sight to attend to a few patients who had come to the hospital for Medical attention.

However, nurses and other categories of health workers were seen in their offices discussing the latest gossip of the day. While student nurses (Interns) were assisting nurses carryout emergence duties on patients.

The General Hospital which used to be a beehive of activities was virtually deserted as a few vehicles were seen parked inside the premises.

While patients who had been on admission in the hospital were seen in the company of their family members leaving the hospital premises with their belongings.

However, at the Dental Department one Dr. Joe Uyammadu was seen attending to patients with tooth ailment. This reporter could not speak with the dentist as he was said to be “very busy”.

Mr. Jude Nwagu who had chattered a vehicle to relocate his 75 year old father to a private hospital told reporter that he decided to take the action to avert a bitter story as doctors were no longer attending to his sick father.

He regretted the incessant strike action always embarked upon by Nigerian medical doctors and advised government to look into some of the genuine demands of the doctors to avert a future experience.

Mrs. Ngozika Egwuatu, an Onitsha indigene and out - patient had a different case. She said that she was recently diagnosed of diabetes and had been requested to visit her doctor periodically to ascertain her health condition.

The sixty year old grand- mother was unhappy that after learning  of the news of the doctors’ strike had decided to visit the hospital as requested by her doctor,  but expressed disappointment that her medical records could not be reached because of the current strike action.

this reporter, however, insisted on seeing the Chief medical Director, Onitsha General Hospital, Dr. B. I. Ezeagub a who was said to be holding a meeting with some top officials from the state Ministry of Health, Awka.

After the meeting the following argument ensued.

Reporter   - Doc! We understand your’re on strike

Dr. Ezeaguba-  May I know whom you are?

reporter-    I’m a Journalist

Dr. Ezeaguba – What can I do for you?

Reporter-     Pls, I want to clarify some issues

Dr. Ezeaguba-   No! I have no time for you. If you want any information go to Gen. Hospital, Enugu- Ukwu where members of Nigeria Medical Association are holding their meeting. I’m finished with you. I’m just an administrative officer and representative of the government here.

He rose and left the reporter wandering in his office with his

Personal Assistant.

By Afam Aminu Chimezie, Onitsha