Doctors at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Lokoja, embarked on an indefinite strike.
This was made known in a communique issued on Wednesday in Lokoja,.
According to the communique,the Doctors said their lives were being threatened because of what they described as” poor”Rising management of the Covid-19 pandemic in the state.
They added that they are “totally withdrawing services across board” pending when their grievances are met.
A communique,a copy which was obtained by TheAnalystNG,was signed by seven health workers’ associations.
The heads of the association met hours after gunmen broke into the hospital, attacking doctors and other health workers.
Some of those who signed the communique are: Nnana Agwu, chairman, Association of Resident Doctors (NARD); Samuel Obajemu, chairman, Joint Health Workers Union (JOHESU); Abdulmalik Idris, chairman, National Association of Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) and John Omoche, chairman, Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN).
It could recall that Armed men on Wednesday morning, had stormed the hospital vandalising properties and carting away valuables.
The union leaders condemned the attack, saying some equipment such as infrared thermometers, laptops, ATM cards, car keys and two motorcycles, “which are vital in providing care,” were carted away, stressing further that they may not resume duty until there’s adequate security of live s and properties.
Other conditions they gave before returning to work include: validation of COVID-19 status of some staff of the hospital that have been in isolation, provision of COVID-19 testing facilities (PCR machines) and maximum of 20 patients being attended to daily.
Meanwhile, the state police command says it has launched a manhunt for the gunmen that attacked the hospital.
Ede Ayuba, the state commissioner of police, who gave the order when he visited the facility, said the perpetrators will not go unpunished.
He assured the health workers and staff of the hospital of the readiness of the police to guarantee the safety of their lives and property.
