The Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Birnin Kebbi, Dr. Abdullahi Ibrahim on Wednesday said the hospital will provide skeletal services to patients, especially emergency cases. Dr. Ibrahim stated this in Birnin Kebbi while speaking to newsmen on the strike embarked upon by the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), which began on Tuesday. He, however, said patients requiring surgery or prolonged medical services would be referred to State and privately owned medical facilities.
"The JOHESU is on strike and we cannot deny them the exercise of their right; but we too have our own right to exercise the directive and position of the Federal Government of `no-work, no-pay’.
“We are going to utilise the available manpower we have in the centre for the period of the strike.’’
Also speaking, the Branch Chairman of JOHESU, Mr. Ishaqu Ransome said the union was compelled to embark on strike by the Federal Government after its plea fell on deaf ears. He lamented that though the Federal Government had entered into an agreement with the union, it has reneged on all the agreements, leaving the union with no option than to strike. He said compliance was reasonable.
“As you can see the level of compliance is about 75 to 80 percent and people will soon come to term with our position and stop coming to the centre,’’ he said.
He also cautioned the management of the hospital to desist from possible harassment and intimidation of members willing to participate in the industrial action.
