Activities at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) are likely to remain crippled following the ongoing strike by resident doctors, citing issues with unpaid allowances, subpar working conditions, and insufficient welfare support.
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) BSUTH, said the strike, which began on December 1, 2025, follows the decision by Resident Doctors never to return to work until their demands for embarking on the strike are met. The doctors are demanding payment of 18 months’ arrears of Consolidated Medical Salary Scale (CONMESS), remittance of pensions, and excess tax deductions.
The ARD President, Dr Kawen Pededoo, in a press conference on Monday at the hospital revealed that despite previous negotiations with the Benue State Government and BSUTH management, no concrete actions have been taken to address their grievances. The doctors are particularly aggrieved over the non-payment of CONMESS arrears, which accrued from June 2023 to December 2024, and the non-remittance of pension deductions, which has left some members with over two years’ worth of unpaid pension contributions.
“We are forced to take this drastic measure to highlight the deplorable conditions we work under and the government’s blatant disregard for our welfare,” said the association. “We urge the government to take immediate action to address our concerns and ensure the well-being of healthcare professionals in the state.”
The doctors are also demanding the renovation of their quarters, which have deteriorated significantly, and the establishment of a security post to enhance surveillance. Furthermore, they are calling for an increase in the entry level to CONMESS 3/6 to attract and retain medical professionals in the state.
The strike has partly paralyzed healthcare services at BSUTH, leaving patients to seek alternative care elsewhere. The association has, however, assured the public of its commitment to providing healthcare services and has appealed to the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, to intervene and resolve the issues.
Governor Alia has been credited with a favourable disposition towards the welfare of doctors and other healthcare professionals in the state, and the association is hopeful that he will address their concerns.
The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission has issued a circular reviewing allowances for medical and dental officers, effective July 29, 2024, and the association is also calling for timely implementation and payment of accrued arrears.
As the strike enters its fifth week, patients and their families are bearing the brunt of the industrial action. The association’s decision to down tools underscores the deep-seated issues plaguing Nigeria’s healthcare sector and the urgent need for reform.
In a reaction on the Facebook page of the hospital, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Dr. Terungwa Hwande, said he expected the unions to have shown solidarity with the governor based on his efforts at the hospital. He explained that arrears of what was implemented, which were not included in the initial negotiations, should not be a factor in the industrial dispute.
“I am hoping that very soon, some of the issues will be resolved. I call on the unions involved in these issues to show understanding when the government is trying its best. Nobody has doubts over what the governor is doing at the teaching hospital. So, we need to work together,” he stressed.
The CMD disclosed that the hospital is open to the public for services, assuring that the dispute will be resolved, saying the government has worked on the computation of the arrears and is at an advanced stage. “We are very committed to ensuring that the teaching hospital maintains its place in terms of service delivery,” he added.
