HEALTH workers of the Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja, have embarked on an indefinite strike following the attack on the facility on Wednesday by hoodlums.
A statement issued late Wednesday night by the Joint Action Congress indicated that the health workers were embarking on the strike to register their grievances following the attack on the facility.
Hoodlums numbering over 50 stormed the premises of the Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja, in the early hours of Wednesday, destroying the administrative block and carted away files and computers relating to COVID-19 patients.
The statement signed by Dr. Adeyemi William, Chairman Medical and Dental Consultant Association of Nigeria, Dr Nana Agwu, and three others indicated that JAC had resolved to totally withdraw its services across board till further notice.
The body noted, “The decision was premised on the attack on our lives and property by hoodlums when some equipment like infrared thermometers, laptops, ATM cards, car and motorcycles, which are vital in providing care, were carted away, and the vandalising of our administrative block.”
The statement warned that except the workers’ security was guaranteed and other measures put in place, they might not resume duties.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Medical Association, Kogi State chapter, has condemned in absolute terms the attack by hoodlums on the Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja, on Wednesday.
A statement jointly signed by the State Chairman and Secretary of NMA, Dr Zubair Kabiru and Dr Okungbowa Osaretin, respectively, described the attack on Lokoja FMC premises as “uncivilized and uncalled for.”
According to the statement, “Report has reached the NMA, Kogi chapter, about the ugly incidence that took place on Wednesday on the premises of the FMC, Lokoja, where some suspected hoodlums stormed the hospitals premises, vandalised offices and carted away some personal and hospital’s valuables.”
