ASABA, Nigeria — Doctors at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, have threatened to begin an indefinite strike if the Delta State Government fails to address worsening hospital conditions, unpaid professional allowances and alleged intimidation of union leaders.
The doctors, under the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria, MDCAN, began a one-week warning strike on May 18 to press home their demands. They said the action was necessary after repeated appeals over welfare and infrastructure concerns failed to produce meaningful results.
MDCAN said its members are demanding implementation of the Revised Professional Allowances already being paid to doctors in federal health institutions. The association also complained about what it described as the poor state of facilities at DELSUTH, warning that the hospital’s condition had undermined service delivery and made it difficult for doctors to work effectively.
The association accused hospital authorities of focusing on media management rather than solving the problems. It alleged that efforts were made to prevent an independent assessment of the hospital after Channels Television was invited for a fact-finding visit but was reportedly denied access by management.
Doctors also claimed that shortly before the proposed media visit, repair and cleaning work suddenly began from the hospital gate to wards and corridors, allegedly to present a better image of the facility. MDCAN said such actions did not address the underlying crisis.
“Rather than addressing the concerns raised by MDCAN, there appears to be an attempt to suppress the truth and mislead the public about the actual state of the hospital,” the association said.
The union had earlier raised concerns over the hospital’s operating theatre, saying it was functioning below acceptable standards because of poor lighting, inadequate instruments, malfunctioning equipment and shortages of surgical materials.
The latest dispute adds to earlier welfare complaints by doctors at DELSUTH. In September 2025, resident doctors listed unpaid arrears, lack of essential equipment and poor infrastructure among the major challenges affecting the institution. They also complained of 13 months of revised CONMESS arrears and 25 months of accoutrement allowance arrears.
MDCAN warned that if the government and hospital management fail to act urgently, the warning strike could become a total and indefinite shutdown, with serious consequences for patients who depend on the teaching hospital for specialist care.
The association urged the Delta State Government to intervene immediately, saying improved welfare, functional facilities and respect for medical professionals are essential to restoring confidence in the hospital.
