LAGOS – The management of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, has agreed to reduction of cost of healthcare services in the hospital by 50 per cent.
Dr Omojowolo Olubunmi, the President, Association of Resident Doctors, LUTH branch, told newsmen in Lagos that this was part of the agreement reached between the hospital’s management and health workers.
Olubunmi said following the agreement, which also met other demands of the association and other health workers, the association had decided to end its three-week old industrial action.
“You cannot get 100 per cent of what you want, but I think we have got over 90 per cent and we are okay.
“The management has accepted and has reviewed downward some of the prices of services, especially some of the minor surgical procedures, to less than 50 per cent of the present rate.
“Also, management has issued letters to specify the tenure of residency training for all residents that are involved.
“It has also given its commitment that immediately the circular we are expecting from the Federal Government comes it will issue fresh letters to all residents.
“The issue of communication has also been taken care of.
“The only area we were not able to resolve is the issue of taxation but we will continue to negotiate on that.”
Olubunmi said that the association, along with LUTH management and other hospital unions, under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, had signed “a mutually beneficial agreement”.
“The agreement we signed with the Ministry of Labour actually provided for a committee to monitor compliance to this agreement.
“So, I believe that management will comply with its own side of the bargain.
“The management should always be proactive and listen to the unions whenever they make their presentations. They should engage in dialogue on time with sincerity.
“Also, there should be a committee or group of elders of the profession that will always serve as intermediary to intervene before these things get out of hand.”
In her reaction, Mrs Hope Nwawolo, the hospital’s Public Relations Officer, said, “it is heartwarming that the strike has been called off.
“Generally, it may be absolutely difficult to prevent strikes because workers will always agitate from time to time.
“However, the hospital management will continue to pursue vigorously and embrace the option of dialogue in resolving issues as and when they arise.” (NAN)
