By Ochuko Akuopha

OLEH—MEDICAL and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, Delta State chapter, has given the board of Delta State University Teaching Hospital, DELSUTH, Oghara, April 1, 2017 deadline to, among others, reinstate the Director of Administration and Chief Accountant of the institution to their positions, or risk indefinite strike.

The union, in a letter copied to the Commissioner for Health, Head of Service, the Director, State Security Service, and others, listed other demands to include full implementation of the report of the White Paper issued by the state government as it affects members’ welfare and recognition of the branch executive as the only organ the board can negotiate with on behalf of medical and health workers in DELSUTH.

The letter by the union’s Secretary,  V.N.C. Ochiaka read: “In 2016, the union directed our members to embark on indefinite strike until issues affecting the welfare and well being of our members are addressed and the state government came out with a white paper   on the issues raised and directed immediate implementation.

“Surprisingly, one year after, the content of the white paper is yet to be implemented. The union is also at loss as to why the chairman of the board went to Asaba to influence the posting of his cronies who have no knowledge of hospital administration to take over the duties of our members”.