By Confidence Obiahu
Health workers at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, on Wednesday commenced an indefinite strike over the suspension of the hospital’s Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Dr Adeyinka Ishola, disrupting activities at the tertiary institution.
The workers, under the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), embarked on the industrial action after efforts to resolve the dispute reportedly failed.
The unions are demanding Ishola’s immediate reinstatement and insist that the circumstances surrounding his suspension be properly addressed before normal operations resume.
The dispute reportedly arose from allegations linked to the sale of a tricycle at the hospital. The unions are said to have rejected the suspension, arguing that the matter should be resolved through due process and dialogue.
The strike has raised concerns about possible disruptions to healthcare services at the hospital, particularly for patients receiving treatment and those scheduled for consultations, procedures and other medical appointments.
Although the extent of the disruption was not immediately clear, the action could affect administrative and clinical activities if it continues. Patients and other stakeholders are therefore awaiting further discussions between the hospital management and the unions.
The workers are expected to remain on strike indefinitely until their demand for Ishola’s reinstatement is addressed and an agreement is reached to resolve the dispute.
