Over a month after embarking on an industrial action, Resident Doctors at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, BSUTH, Makurdi, have appealed to the Benue State Governor to intervene in the lingering crisis affecting the institution.
The doctors, under the leadership of their President, Kawen Pededoo, made the appeal during a press briefing at the hospital, where they outlined several demands, including the need for improved living conditions within the facility.
Following the briefing, the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Dr. Stephen Hwande, announced a three-month notice directing the striking Resident Doctors to vacate their residential quarters to allow for a comprehensive renovation exercise.
BSUTH, under the Governor Hyacinth Alia-led administration, is working towards becoming a one-stop medical centre that meets international standards.
However, repeated industrial actions by Resident Doctors have continued to disrupt activities and slow progress toward that goal.
Among the grievances raised by the doctors are concerns over poor accommodation and welfare.
While they argue that many of the issues prompting the strike have persisted for a long time, Dr. Hwande maintains that some of the demands were only recently presented.
Despite the standoff, the Resident Doctors acknowledged the efforts already made by the state government and again called on the governor to step in, expressing hope that his intervention would bring the prolonged strike to an end and help reposition the hospital as a world-class medical hub.
