Doctors in Imo State yesterday embarked on an indefinite strike action. The state chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association, Dr  Kyrian Duruewuru, told journalists in Owerri, that while their colleagues in other states were enjoying the adjusted salary structure for medical practitioners, the state government had refused to implement it.

 

He said the association was demanding payment of salary arrears.

 

He said the first phase of the strike would involve all doctors at the Imo state University Teaching Hospital, Orlu; the Imo State Specialist Hospital, Umuguma and the Hospital Management Board.

 

He said the second phase of the industrial action would have all doctors in private hospitals and those in federal health centres in the state.

 

He said, “For the past four years, doctors in Imo state have received 70 percent of their salaries.Also the doctors are being owed three months salary arrears by the Imo state government. For us this highly unacceptable and very insensitive. “