By Chris Nyamtu
Medical services have been completely disrupted at the Federal University of Lafia Teaching Hospital (FUTH) following the nationwide strike declared the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
A visit Radio Nigeria to the facility revealed that all patients on admission had been evacuated, while health workers across various units, including emergency, outpatient, and antenatal departments, had deserted their duty posts.
The nationwide strike, which began last Saturday, is already taking its toll on citizens who rely on the hospital for medical care.
During a monitoring visit to ensure compliance with the strike, the NARD State President, Dr. Jude Yepowudu, and members of the association’s leadership team toured different sections of the hospital.
In an interview, Dr. Yepowudu lamented the deteriorating working conditions of health workers, especially doctors in public health facilities, which he blamed on the government’s inadequate commitment to their welfare.
“Resident doctors form the largest portion of medical manpower in the country, yet we continue to face neglect. We are resolute in this strike , it’s our collective effort to ensure improved welfare for doctors.
Many of us can no longer afford to fuel our cars, pay rent, or meet basic family needs. We are tired of unfulfilled government promises,” he stated.
Some patients who spoke to Radio Nigeria expressed frustration over the situation and appealed to the government to urgently intervene.
Mrs. Hanatu Peter and Hajiya Aisha Suleiman, who had come for antenatal care, described their ordeal as painful and disheartening.
“We came for antenatal services but were told to go back because doctors are on strike. We also couldn’t do our ultrasound scan. The government should quickly meet the doctors’ demands so they can return to work,” they pleaded.
As the strike lingers, anxiety continues to grow among patients and their relatives, especially those with emergency or critical conditions who are being turned away.
Meanwhile, private health facilities across Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, are recording a surge in patient numbers as residents seek alternative medical care.