Withdrawal of service by ESUTH Resident Doctors: Aftermath

It is no longer news that the Resident Doctors in ESUTH Parklane Enugu, have started work after 13days of no work which was characterized by lack of activities in the hospital, as they are the life of the hospital just like other residents in various Teaching hospitals.
The period was also characterized by all manner of struggles, antics and moves by the hospital authorities to muzzle the doctors, intimidate and frustrate their efforts to this effect. This made the hospital go into unholy alliance with some opportunistic doctors, who sought for and took up the locum jobs offered. They were said to have received as high as #20,000(Twenty thousand Naira only)/daily.
The management of the hospital was also seen, trying to adopt some damage control measures by selling the impression to the government and the public, that the hospital was functional and working effectively.

The truth was; there was little or no activity going on at the institution as the wards were empty and the patients who went to see their doctors were disappointed or had just their drugs re-casted.

On the other hand, the government used different antics and methods of propaganda against these doctors, their association and leadership. However, these could not sway the enlightened public to their side, as many Nigerian citizens are tired of the political class having failed them in all the sectors of governance in Nigeria, Enugu state, inclusive.

As one of the callers lamented during one of the call in sessions of the radio programs following the withdrawal of services, he said "how can a government that purchased 51 new Prado jeeps at a cost of #29,000,000:00(Twenty-nine million Naira) each, within a space of 8months including different models of Hyundai and KIA motors for political office holders, hing their inability to pay their doctors what is rightfully theirs as a result of paucity of fund/a dwindling economy."
The caller concluded by calling the government "insensitive"

Thumbs up should be given to the Executives and members of the Association of Resident Doctors ESUTH Parklane, for their diplomacy and conduct in the midst of threats, provocation and pressure.
They were focused and prepared as they dished out facts and not propaganda to the already angry public.
They courageously let the world know their plight for over a decade which encompassed their endurance, advocacies, pleas and frustrations.
They were in the media and they matched the propaganda(being dished out by sponsored individuals and groups)with verifiable facts.
They were willing for a debate at all fronts with government and any concerned group.
Their unity and resolve even in the face of the 'Divide and Rule' strategy adopted by the government, was simply unprecedented.

The facts that were out in the public were;
- The ESUTH Resident Doctors are one of (if not)the least paid in Nigeria and particularly in the Southeast.
- They engaged the government over a long time.
- They had received numerous verbal promises & approvals. The latest was a written commitment and approval for the implementation of their demands, which included proper placement in their entry points cum placement.
- Implementation of 100% of 2019 CONMESS as is enjoyed by their counterparts in other State and Federal Teaching Hospitals in Nigeria.
- They were armed with documents to show government continues changing the goal post which is sadly the hallmark of this present day political class in Nigeria.

Today, they are back with an understanding between the government and opinion leaders in Enugu, that full implementation of their proper placement and the payment of Full CONMESS will commence on or before June, 2020. Failure of this, will send Enugu state back to Egypt.

Though, we believe that the government and the authorities of ESUTH have Learnt their lessons, it is still important to remind them of the need to do the right thing at the right time to avoid unnecessary skirmishes and the untold hardship to the society.

The designers of the Hippocratic Oath which doctors swore were mindful of the fact that only a psychologically and emotionally balanced doctor can give his/her best. This is only achieved when he is able to at least cater to the needs of his family, himself and his academics and hence the oath to take care of himself and his health first.
The designers also envisaged that the government will be run by sane individuals with good decision making. This is in contrast with the present day Nigeria, where the main focus is making the political class happy regardless of our Health, Education, Security and Industrial growth which has been our bane today leading us to where we are today as a nation.

It will be very unfortunate and distasteful if the government will for the umpteenth time, renege on its agreement/promise citing any excuse at all, as this will surely pitch it against the entire public and not only the doctors.
As they do for the doctors, the government is as a matter of common sense expected to carry the Consultants, Pharmacists, Nurses, Physiotherapists, Lab Scientists and other health workers along to ensure good industrial harmony.

It is expected that government takes into consideration the Health of its citizens, the efforts and sacrifice these health workers put into their work.
The public on their own part should be ready to hold government accountable and demand that they do the needful and on time, to avert this looming time bomb amidst all these escalating level of infectious diseases in the country.
A stitch in time they say, saves nine.

Concerned citizen.