Confusion at UCH as Resident Doctors, JAC Differ on Work Hours

The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan has clarified that its members are not part of the 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. work hour declared by the hospital’s Joint Action Committee (JAC).

In a statement signed by its president, John Oladapo, and general secretary, Gboyega Ajibola, among other executive members, the ARD stated that its members are currently at their duty posts, providing essential care and services to patients.

The JAC, which represents all hospital unions, had issued a notice on Tuesday stating that due to a power outage caused by the disconnection of the hospital’s power supply by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) over accumulated bill indebtedness, staff would only work between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

According to the JAC chairman, Oludayo Olabampe, the workers had been working without electricity since March 19 and could not continue under such conditions.

However, the ARD clarified that the JAC is a coalition of all hospital unions except the ARD and Medical and the Dental Consultants of Nigeria (MDCAN), and its directives do not apply to ARD members.

The statement from the ARD also addressed reports suggesting that UCH doctors had suspended night shifts and begun a strike on Tuesday, clarifying that such reports were inaccurate. The ARD emphasized that its members are committed to providing care to patients despite the challenging working conditions.

While the ARD expressed solidarity with all health workers regarding the sub-par working conditions at UCH, it stressed that its members are currently on duty without any specific working time conditions.

Peoples Gazette