Please refer to page 2 of the Punch newspaper of Friday, 18 March, 2016 on the above subject matter. The Hospital management notes that the publication was borne out of lack of adequate information and is a fall out of the press briefing hosted by the UITH chapter of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) whose members are at present on an industrial action. The claims of the writer of the story are incorrect.

The hospital (UITH) is an internationally recognised health institution and as such would never resort to using lantern, torch light and handset for surgeries.

Although, the epileptic power supply in the country affects every sector of the Nigerian economy, the UITH inclusive, the hospital management has provided alternative sources of power such as Solar power plant, Generating sets and Inverter which has greatly reduced the effects of the erratic power distributions to about 20 per cent.

Power allocation within the institution has been prioritised. Very sensitive centres such as the accident and emergency unit, trauma center, gynaecology and obstetrics units, the operating twin theatres in the hospital have dedicated alternative sources of power. In addition, work is ongoing to further expand the distribution of power within the hospital.

The Association of Resident Doctors embarked on an industrial strike action to press for the removal of clauses 11 and 12 in their letters of employment. These clauses basically precludes that House officers must not join in any industrial action as they are on a training programme. Furthermore prescribes a termination of internship of any House officer who is guilty of any serious misconduct such as neglecting a patient and or engaging in or making profit from any private practice or business. This demand by the ARD is viewed by the Hospital Management as antithetical to the Hippocratic Oath sworn to by all medical doctors.

Part of the demands of the ARD was that the Chief Medical Director (CMD) commence immediate payment of skipping allowances with arrears when there is no budgetary provision for it. The Management has informed the ARD that the issue of skipping is an anticipatory demand which would be met as soon as the fund is made available for disbursement.

While industrial disputes are sometimes necessary for workers to press home certain points and make some legitimate demands in the modern workplace, a truthful portrayal of existing operational model without exaggeration of fact is very essential in amicably resolving any strike action.

The management of the UITH uses this medium to reassure members of the public of their continued safety at the UITH as we stand on our goal of making the health institution one stop shop in providing quality health services for the comfort of the patients and their relatives.

The hospital is blessed with high caliber human resources. There is a high quality of doctors at the UITH who are dedicated to work despite the various challenges.

Signed

Head of UITH Public Relations Unit.

Omojasola Olufunmilayo. O.