Doctor’s strike: UITH continues seamless operation

Management of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH ) Ilorin has promised uninterrupted medical services at the hospital in spite of the ongoing national strike of the Association of Residents Doctors, (ARD).

Speaking with Tribune Online in Ilorin on Thursday after an emergency meeting of the hospital management presided over by the CMD, Professor Abdulwaheed Olatinwo, the Head Corporate Affairs Unit of the hospital, Mrs Olufunmilayo Omojasola, said that the management lamented the recurrence of the strike action by doctors, describing it as a wakeup call to consultants and other categories of health workers of the hospital.

Underlining the importance of the ‘Hippocratic Oath’ to all categories of doctors at their induction ceremony, the UITH management said it would ensure quality services to all patients of the hospital,  “as if there was no strike”, just as it reminded the striking doctors of the need to respect the sanctity of the oath in order to save lives.

“We will take adequate care of all our in patients and ensure that they are on their feet and fit enough to go home before they are discharged “, he said.

Other top notchers of the UITH at the  meeting were; the Chief Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Professor Olayinka Buhari,  Director of Administration,  Mr. David Odaibo,  the Heads of Departments, and the Chief Security Advisers among others.

He also said that the Emergency Paediatric, Accident and Emergency, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Emergency units, operating theatres among others had been directed to open their doors for all round the clock services.

“Besides, the Consultants have pledged to render full services to all the patients of the hospital. It was also resolved at the parley that consultants on leave may be recalled to duties if the needs are glaring. No patient of the hospital would be turned back.

“Already, a register has been opened for House Officers, local residents and supernumerary doctors just as they were reminded of the current service rules that barred them from embarking on leave with a caveat.

“Besides, adequate security measures have been put in place to prevent violent picketing during the strike”, he said.

It was also gathered that work was going on at the UITH, just as many relatives of the patients interviewed, said that they could not feel the ARD strike.